What's eating my drosera filiformis?

Drosera filiformis (thread-leaf sundew) catches many adult insects in its sticky traps but is vulnerable to aphids, which navigate around the trapping tentacles, and to fungus gnat larvae in the root zone. Thrips can also damage new leaves. Healthy sundews in ideal bog conditions resist most pest pressure effectively.

Colonies bypass sticky traps by moving along non-glandular stem areas; leaves become stunted and wilted as populations build. Knock off with a directed stream of distilled water, or dab with a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap if infestation persists.

Larvae in peat-based media feed on roots and rhizomes, causing wilting that mimics drought stress. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) dissolved in distilled water; water through the soil and repeat in 7 days. Avoid using tap or mineral water.

Tiny insects rasp leaf surfaces, causing silvery streaking and deformed, sticky tentacles that no longer function correctly. Remove heavily affected leaves; treat with spinosad or insecticidal soap applied directly to foliage. Improve air circulation around the plant.