Drosera adelae Not Producing Dew: Fungus Gnat Larvae Suspected

D. adelae in tray with other sundews under fluorescents. Others dewy, colorful; adelae dewless. Suspects: too much light (shade-tolerant?), overcrowding (dozens from one plant). New leaves under canopy have dew, lose it when emerging. Gnats caught abundantly. Water ¼ up pots.

Likely: Fungus Gnat Larvae in Soil

Gnat adults caught = larvae in soil. D. adelae has fine, abundant roots—larvae eat them → stress → no dew. Other sundews (thicker roots) less affected.

Fix

1. Mosquito dunks (Bti) in water tray — ¼ dunk for small tray. Kills fly larvae, harmless to plants.
2. Check crown with loupe for aphids in fuzz — spray if found.
3. Light likely fine — adelae does well under fluorescents.
4. Crowding not the issue — healthy adelae masses happily.
5. Humidity boost may help — adelae likes warm, humid.

We've seen this cycle. Bti in tray often solves it. Report back.