What's eating my nepenthes robcantleyi?

Nepenthes robcantleyi is a rare Philippine ultra-highland pitcher plant grown by specialist collectors. In cultivation it is most likely to encounter mealybugs on emerging leaves and scale on older stems. Fungus gnats are a persistent risk in its moist medium. Its slow growth means pest damage has a disproportionately large impact.

Cottony masses on new leaves and around pitcher tendrils; growth slows noticeably given the plant's already-slow pace Use alcohol swabs carefully on all infested surfaces; apply insecticidal soap spray (avoid pitcher interiors); act immediately on first sighting

Waxy brown shells on leaf midribs and stems; leaf edges yellow and pitchers develop poorly Scrape off with a toothbrush; apply horticultural oil at labelled dilution; check every 2 weeks

Root zone damaged by larvae in sphagnum mix; can set back recovery of an already stressed or young plant Bti drench monthly; yellow sticky traps; ensure good drainage so the medium does not become waterlogged