What's eating my lamellate rainbow plant?

Byblis lamellata is a carnivorous annual with sticky, glandular leaves that trap small flies — but aphids, mealybugs, and fungus gnats still attack it. Aphids cluster on flower stems and new growth, bypassing the trapping hairs. Fungus gnats breed in the wet, nutrient-poor bog mix this plant requires. Treat early; the plant is fragile.

Soft-bodied insects cluster on flower stems and growing tips, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew residue. Blast off with a fine water spray or dab with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid systemic insecticides — Byblis is sensitive to chemicals.

Larvae tunnel through the wet, peat-based growing medium, damaging delicate shallow roots and causing sudden wilting. Use yellow sticky traps for adults. Top-dress with a thin layer of fine sand to deter egg-laying. Allow only tray watering so the surface stays less attractive.

Waxy white cottony clusters appear in leaf axils and on stems, sapping vigour and producing honeydew. Remove by hand with an alcohol-dipped swab. Isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread to neighbouring carnivorous plants.