What's eating my sun pitcher (heliamphora)?

Heliamphora are highland carnivores grown indoors under cool, humid conditions. Mealybugs are the primary pest concern, lodging at the base of pitcher clusters. Fungus gnats breed in perpetually wet live sphagnum. Scale insects occasionally appear on mature pitchers. These plants are slow-growing, so even minor infestations warrant prompt treatment to protect long-term development.

Cottony white masses at the base of pitcher clusters or tucked inside nectar spoons; stunted new pitchers Carefully dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a fine swab; repeat weekly; isolate from other plants during treatment

Larvae in live sphagnum medium damage the delicate hair roots; plant may stall or produce smaller pitchers Apply Bti drench to the medium; use yellow sticky traps; ensure cool temperatures which naturally slow gnat breeding cycles

Hard brown bumps on mature pitcher outsides; yellow patches; gradual weakening Scrape off manually with a soft brush; treat with very dilute horticultural oil on pitcher exteriors only