What's eating my nepenthes macrophylla?

Nepenthes macrophylla is a rare Bornean highland pitcher plant with large, striking pitchers. In specialist greenhouse or terrarium culture, mealybugs are the most common pest on new growth. Scale insects affect older stems. Its demanding ultra-highland conditions naturally limit many pests, but any infestation must be addressed promptly given how slowly this species recovers.

Cottony white masses on emergent leaves and inside pitcher lid margins; new pitchers fail to develop fully Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with diluted neem or insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days for 4–6 weeks

Hard waxy shells along leaf midribs and stems; honeydew accumulation leads to sooty mould on leaves Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil at labelled concentration; schedule regular monthly inspections

Larvae in the sphagnum-based medium damage fine feeder roots; adults are persistent in warm growing environments Apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps; ensure medium is free-draining and replace waterlogged sphagnum promptly