Why does your Abutilon pictum have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in Abutilon is most commonly due to fungus gnat larvae living in the top layer of moist organic matter. These pests thrive in the consistently damp soil that Abutilon prefers, feeding on decaying roots and fungi.
Excessive moisture in the Abutilon's potting medium creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnats and can lead to anaerobic conditions. As roots begin to decay, they provide a food source for the larvae of these flies.
Abutilon plants kept in high humidity often develop surface fungi on the soil. The tiny black flies are attracted to these fungal blooms as a primary food source for their larval stage.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: