What's eating my hamilton's sundew?

Drosera hamiltonii is a Western Australian tuberous sundew with bright red, sticky leaves. Aphids bypass the sticky trap entirely and colonise flower stalks. Fungus gnats infest the sandy, moist substrate. Because this species has a summer dormancy period, mealybugs can take hold around dormant tubers when the plant is dry and less able to catch or deter insects.

Colonies on flower stalks and the base of active leaves deplete energy ahead of the summer dormancy, leaving the plant weakened going into rest. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. Remove infested flower stalks if they are not needed for seed collection.

Larvae thrive in the damp sandy mix and damage fine roots during the growing season, causing rosette yellowing. Yellow sticky traps; top-dress the substrate surface with clean silica sand. Water by tray method to keep the surface layer less attractive to egg-laying adults.

Waxy white colonies can develop around tubers and stem bases during summer dormancy when the plant is dry and inactive. Inspect tubers at repotting. Apply isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush to any mealybug colonies found. Ensure the dormant pot does not sit in humid, enclosed conditions.