What's eating my spoon-leaved sundew?

Drosera spatulata is a small, compact indoor sundew. Aphids are the most common pest, targeting non-sticky stem tissue. Fungus gnats can attack fine roots in overly wet substrate, and spider mites are occasional in dry indoor settings. The mucilage traps fungus gnat adults but not larvae.

Small clusters on stems and the underside of leaves; sap loss causes pale, wilted foliage and reduced mucilage production. Rinse or remove manually. Use dilute insecticidal soap on stem tissue only; keep spray off the mucilage-tipped leaves.

Larvae damage fine roots in peat or sphagnum; plant may wilt despite adequate moisture; adults visible around the soil. Apply sticky traps for adults and a Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) soil drench for larvae. Do not let water trays become stagnant.

Tiny pale spots on leaf surfaces; fine webbing in dry indoor conditions; leaves lose vigour and colour. Raise humidity around the plant. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply dilute insecticidal soap if the infestation spreads.