What's eating my fairy aprons?

Fairy Aprons (Utricularia dichotoma) is an Australian aquatic/semi-aquatic carnivorous houseplant grown in wet sphagnum or shallow water trays. Its microscopic bladder traps catch protozoans and tiny invertebrates. Significant pest threats are uncommon, but fungus gnats breed readily in the permanently wet media, and algae blooms can outcompete the plant for light and nutrients.

Larvae colonize wet sphagnum and can damage fine surface roots and stolons, causing patches to brown out Tray water with distilled or rain water; yellow sticky traps for adults; ensure good light to discourage soggy anaerobic conditions

Green algae mats smother small Utricularia shoots and block light, outcompeting the delicate plant Use opaque or dark-colored containers to limit light reaching the water surface; remove algae by hand; ensure bright overhead light for the plant

Rare but occasional on exposed flower scapes, causing distorted or aborted blooms Remove by dabbing with a damp cloth or rinsing with distilled water; rarely needs further intervention