Pest identification
What's eating my utricularia alpina?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and rhizomes in the mossy medium; adults emerge continuously in warm rooms
Control: Maintain cool temperatures and good air movement; apply Bti drench; use sticky traps; repot into fresh live sphagnum if infestation is severe
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits on rhizomes and at substrate surface; growth slows and leaves yellow
Control: Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine brush; bare-root inspect and repot into fresh moss
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaves in dry or warm conditions
Control: Raise humidity significantly; mist surroundings; treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray
Keep utricularia alpina pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Utricularia alpina pests — FAQ
What is eating my utricularia alpina?
Utricularia alpina is a lithophytic or epiphytic bladderwort from high-altitude Andean cloud forests, grown as a houseplant in cool, humid conditions. Its cool, moist, mossy substrate can attract fungus gnats. Mealybugs are an occasional threat on the rhizomes. Because it is sensitive to heat and stagnant air, weakened plants are more susceptible to pests.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on utricularia alpina?
Larvae feed on roots and rhizomes in the mossy medium; adults emerge continuously in warm rooms Maintain cool temperatures and good air movement; apply Bti drench; use sticky traps; repot into fresh live sphagnum if infestation is severe
How do I get rid of mealybugs on utricularia alpina?
Cottony white deposits on rhizomes and at substrate surface; growth slows and leaves yellow Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine brush; bare-root inspect and repot into fresh moss
How do I get rid of spider mites on utricularia alpina?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaves in dry or warm conditions Raise humidity significantly; mist surroundings; treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray