What's eating my grass-leaved bladderwort?

Grass-leaved bladderwort (Utricularia graminifolia) is a submerged to semi-aquatic carpet plant grown indoors; its tiny bladder traps handle most small insects itself. Main threats are fungus gnat larvae rotting the substrate mat, algae smothering growth in bright tanks, and occasional spider mites on exposed foliage in dry air.

Larvae feed on the delicate rhizoids and mat roots in saturated substrate, causing patches to brown and detach Apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; improve airflow over the substrate surface; avoid permanently waterlogged compost without drainage

Green or blue-green algae mats smother the low-growing carpet, blocking light and out-competing the plant Reduce fertiliser to zero (use only pure water), cut photoperiod to 10–12 hours, and manually remove algae with a fine brush; introduce Amano shrimp in aquatic setups

Fine stippling on leaf surfaces and thin webbing appear in warm, dry indoor conditions; growth weakens Raise humidity, mist with distilled water, and wash affected foliage; apply insecticidal soap diluted to half strength if infestation persists