Pest identification
What's eating my king sundew?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae in the boggy peat mix; visible adults around the pot; yellowing lower leaves
Control: Top-dress with light layer of perlite or live sphagnum; use Bti drench; yellow sticky traps to monitor adults
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on flower scapes and new leaf bases; sticky honeydew; distorted growth
Control: Knock off with a water spray; dab with insecticidal soap carefully to avoid burning tentacles
Spider mites
Signs: Fine bronzing and stippling on leaves; tentacles stop being sticky; fine webbing visible
Control: Raise humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, avoiding the active sticky glands where possible
Keep king sundew pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
King Sundew pests — FAQ
What is eating my king sundew?
King Sundew (Drosera regia) is a large carnivorous houseplant from South Africa. Its sticky tentacles catch small insects, giving it some self-defence. Fungus gnats are the biggest indoor threat, with larvae in the permanently wet peat mix. Aphids may cluster on the tall scape in summer. Pure water management and adequate airflow are essential preventives.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on king sundew?
Root damage from larvae in the boggy peat mix; visible adults around the pot; yellowing lower leaves Top-dress with light layer of perlite or live sphagnum; use Bti drench; yellow sticky traps to monitor adults
How do I get rid of aphids on king sundew?
Soft colonies on flower scapes and new leaf bases; sticky honeydew; distorted growth Knock off with a water spray; dab with insecticidal soap carefully to avoid burning tentacles
How do I get rid of spider mites on king sundew?
Fine bronzing and stippling on leaves; tentacles stop being sticky; fine webbing visible Raise humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, avoiding the active sticky glands where possible