What's eating my sarracenia minor?

Sarracenia minor is a North American pitcher plant grown as a houseplant; its main pest threats are aphids (which contort new pitchers) and mealybugs or scale hiding near the rhizome and trap folds. Fungus gnat larvae can damage roots in saturated media. Healthy plants in good conditions resist most pests well.

Colonies on new-growth pitchers cause twisting and contortion as the leaves develop; visible clusters on tender tissue. Spray with a pyrethrin-based product (e.g., canola oil + pyrethrin) covering every surface; treat twice, one week apart. Do not use systemic insecticides.

White cottony masses or brown bumps near rhizome, trap folds, and leaf bases; stunted growth and honeydew residue. Remove manually with an alcohol-dampened swab; apply insecticidal soap to affected areas. Repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks.

Larvae in the growing medium feed on roots and the rhizome, causing wilting and poor vigour despite adequate watering. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti/mosquito dunks) dissolved in distilled water; water through the soil and repeat after 7 days.