In the future, forget about purchasing lady beetles. If you minimize pesticide use at your place, they're already there. Further, their collection is thought to be one of the various factors contributing to the decline of their population.

They're not. That's one of the worst infestations I've seen. I think the plant is doing remarkably well given the circumstances. If you want it to stay that way you need to treat. Good luck, Dennis

Are the leaves slowly shriveling and then the plant dies? If so, then I agree with DMForcier... damping off fungus. Prevention? Let soil dry out almost completely between waterings. Sprinkle cinnamon around seedlings. Water with 1 part Hydrogen peroxide(3%) to 4 parts water every couple weeks until plants get past the critical stage of this possible affliction -- 1st 6 weeks or so after the 1st set of true leaves. Good luck and any more questions, just ask. Kevin

I just cut a bunch of my big pepper bushes down to fit in 1 gallon pots to overwinter inside. Arroz con pollo, trini moruga, trini perfume, aji orchid, reaper, but jolokia I think that's it. I followed esox's instructions for this did I do it right? All the peppers were super healthy and actually putting out new peppers but I had to cut them down to bring them inside. On just a couple of them I noticed these black spots on the stems only. I couldn't see them until I cut off the foliage yesterday. I am concerned that this may be a contagious black fungus and doent want my other plants to get it. Any ideas?