Aloe broomii Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Excessive Soil Moisture Decomposing Organic Matter

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Fungus Gnats

The presence of tiny black flies in succulent soil is most often due to fungus gnats, which lay eggs in moist organic matter. The larvae feed on organic material and can damage the delicate fine roots of Aloe broomii, potentially leading to root decay.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Set a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to confirm if small flying insects are being captured.

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flying gnats and break the breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

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2 Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as fungus gnats thrive in consistently moist organic matter.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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3 Top-dress the soil with a layer of horticultural perlite or sand to create a dry barrier that prevents adults from laying eggs in the soil.

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Excessive Soil Moisture

Aloe broomii is a succulent that requires well-draining substrate; constant moisture attracts fungus gnats and promotes fungal growth. High humidity and wet topsoil create the perfect breeding ground for the life cycle of these flies.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Insert your finger two inches into the soil to see if it remains damp long after watering cycles should have ended.

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1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the breeding ground for fungus gnats.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

—

2 Apply yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture the adult flies and disrupt their life cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Repot the Aloe broomii in a well-draining succulent mix amended with perlite to improve aeration and prevent future moisture retention.

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Decomposing Organic Matter

If the Aloe broomii is planted in a mix containing heavy peat moss or has accumulated decaying leaf litter, it provides a food source for fly larvae. The breakdown of this organic material attracts adult flies to the pot.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the top layer of the potting medium for any visible decaying plant fragments or thick moss buildup.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove any decaying leaf litter or decomposing organic matter from the soil surface to eliminate the larvae's food source.

2 Apply yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Repot the Aloe broomii in a fresh, well-draining medium like a succulent mix, incorporating perlite to improve aeration and prevent organic buildup.