Came across this being discussed in a succulent group and several people have used this method, including on sempervivum. Just a thought if anyone has a major pest problem.

http://ucanr.edu/sites/UCNFAne...

Interesting! I might try that next time I have aphids.

Interesting!!

I wonder if this is where the express "You're in a lot of hot water" came from

Thanks for the link Chris!

I have poured boiling water over the crowns of my heuchera to kill the root weevil. Dan Heims mentioned the trick in his book on the plants. I haven't dug the plants up to verify it worked, but you'd think boiling water would knock those critters out!

It sounds like a nice organic solution. Just hope I remember it when the time comes.....

That is a great idea Patty! I'm going to try.

Very interesting. I find it puzzling on why the hot water would not damage or destroy the plant?

Yeah, my thoughts exactly Lynn. I'd be afraid that I'd make boiled houseleek stew.

valleylynn said:......I find it puzzling on why the hot water would not damage or destroy the plant?

Me too, Lynn. First thing I thought too but am wondering if the temps mentioned (120.3 degrees F) aren't as hot for them as I would think. It's not like it's boiling water...

Patty said above that she used boiling water on her heuchera.

Are they still functioning?...sometimes plants look OK from afar and then close up you notice they are sort of off kilter...! How are they, Patty?

That is interesting. I have put my house plants in the shower and washed them with only hot water. I do not remember what I have my hot water set at but it is hot. If I do not mix cold water with it.....it does burn. As they said I follow with cold water immediately. I only do it once in the winter to prevent getting any bugs on my house plants in the winter.

I also hose them down my tropical plants with hot water before I bring them in for the winter. I hook the hose to the hot water facet in the laundry tub.

I have been hit and miss here...my 6 mo pregnant daughter and her DH were here on a visit. She ended up spending 4 days in the hospital w/ a kidney infection! They left yesterday, headed for Boston.

Anyway... I should not rely on my memory! In the book Heucheras and Heucherellas they discuss root weevils and say "Dan has applied hot water (100 to 120F) to the roots and crown of infested plants during the winter; the larvae are killed within two seconds, and the plant "shrugs off" this shock treatment. This requires experimentation but is a very safe method of control".

I would think this would work anytime the weevils are in the larval or pupal forms, which I find even in spring. When I did this the water was just to a boil and the plants were not damaged.

Hmm, good to know. Thanks for the info, Patty. May have to try it one day.
Congrats on the new grandchild on the way...is the new mother to be the daughter whose wedding you attended in, was it San Diego last year?

Yes, that's her. They will be in Boston for a year while he goes to school. Baby boy is due 9/1 so I'll be doing some traveling

Patty I hope your daughter feels better!!! Congrats granny to be!

Congratultions Patty. Nothing to can bring joy like a baby.

September will be here before you know it.