What's eating my fork-leaved sundew?

Drosera binata is a robust indoor or greenhouse sundew. Aphids targeting the stems and non-sticky petioles are the primary threat. Spider mites appear in dry conditions, and fungus gnats can affect roots. The forked leaf tips do catch small prey but do not protect the plant from sap-sucking pests.

Colonies on stems and petioles outside the glandular zone; sap loss causes wilting and leaf distortion. Remove by hand or rinse off. Avoid neem oil sprays directly on the mucilage-bearing leaves as residue can interfere with trapping. Dilute insecticidal soap on stems only if needed.

Stippled, bronzed leaves and fine webbing; most common in hot, low-humidity indoor environments. Increase ambient humidity and improve airflow. Wipe leaves gently; apply dilute insecticidal soap if infestation is established. Repeat weekly.

Larvae damage fine roots in the peat or sphagnum substrate, causing drooping and yellowing. Place yellow sticky traps to catch adults. Drench substrate with Bti solution (e.g., Gnatrol). Ensure the water tray does not harbour stagnant water for weeks.