What's eating my margaret's corkscrew plant?

Genlisea margaretae shares the same waterlogged niche as other bladderwort relatives. Fungus gnats are the primary threat, with larvae destroying roots in wet peat. Algae smothers tiny rosettes in bright trays. Aphids occasionally colonise flower stems. Carnivorous-plant protocol — distilled water, no feed — is the best prevention.

Larvae feed on delicate roots in the saturated substrate, leading to sudden rosette collapse or stunted growth. Place yellow sticky traps at pot level. Top-dress substrate with a thin rinsed-sand layer. Ensure water in the tray is refreshed regularly rather than left stagnant.

Green algae colonise the wet substrate surface and tray, potentially overwhelming the small rosettes. Use opaque pots and trays to limit light reaching the water. Change tray water every few days and keep the growing area well-ventilated.

Clusters on flowering scapes weaken blooms and deposit honeydew that encourages mould. Remove by dabbing with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, or rinse gently with distilled water.