Question
I just received a drosera capensis from Sarracenia Northwest. The plant seems to be in good shape ,but might have an insect problem. After placing it into a tray of distilled water, I noticed lots of very small insects moving around in the tray of water. I rinsed out the tray and put new water in and I can still see small insects moving around. How can this problem be solved?

Answer
Hi Emil,

This is not a problem.  The most common pests that Drosera capensis are prone to is Aphids and an occasional cutworm.  These are found on the plant or at the stem base and cause immediate damage.  You would know it quick if the plant had one of these nasties.  What you are most likely seeing in the water is Daphnia.  Peat moss carries the eggs of them and they hatch out when the peat is kept very wet.  Their common name is water fleas and they feed on algae and bacteria.  They're beneficial, and the most common food of Utricularia.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com