Why does your Amaryllis Cybister Tango have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae live in the upper layers of the soil and feed on organic matter and fungi. They thrive in the moist, peat-heavy potting mixes often used for Amaryllis bulbs.
Frequent watering or poor drainage in an Amaryllis pot creates a perfect breeding ground for gnat larvae. Excessive moisture also increases the presence of surface fungi which serves as a food source for the flies.
The use of fresh compost or highly decomposed bark in the Amaryllis potting mix provides an abundant food source for the life cycle of these insects. Decomposing organic material is a primary attractant for adult flies to lay eggs.