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Amaryllis Faro Tiny Black Flies
eco Tiny Black Flies

Amaryllis Faro – Tiny Black Flies

Why does your Amaryllis Faro have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.

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Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae) Overwatering and Root Rot Saprophagous Fruit Flies

search Possible Causes

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Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae)

These flies breed in the moist organic matter of the Amaryllis potting medium. Their larvae feed on decaying plant material and can occasionally damage the developing root system of the bulb.

Very Common
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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the base of the Amaryllis to confirm if small flying insects are being captured.
build How to fix it
shopping_cart Recommended Products
1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture adult flies and disrupt the breeding cycle.
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
30 pcs
$7
In Stock
2 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely to kill larvae in the moist organic matter.
GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue
GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue
Water Meters
$12
In Stock
3 Apply a biological control or organic insecticide to target the larvae and prevent further root damage.
Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz
Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz
0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic
$10
In Stock
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Overwatering and Root Rot

Excessive moisture in the Amaryllis pot creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnats and can lead to bulb decay. As roots rot, they release nutrients that attract flies to the soil surface.

Very Common
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How to confirm: Check the moisture level of the potting mix several inches deep; it should be dry before watering again.
build How to fix it
shopping_cart Recommended Products
1 Immediately reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out significantly to disrupt the fungus gnat life cycle and stop root decay.
GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3
GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3
Water Meters
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2 Repot the Amaryllis in a well-draining medium, such as a mix containing perlite, to improve aeration and prevent future moisture buildup.
Legigo Perlite 15qt
Legigo Perlite 15qt
14.2 L • Perlite
$22
In Stock
3 Apply yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture and remove the adult flying insects.
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
30 pcs
$7
In Stock
warning

Saprophagous Fruit Flies

If there is fermenting organic matter or decaying bulb scales present in the top layer of the soil, fruit flies may be attracted to the Amaryllis pot to feed.

Common
lightbulb
How to confirm: Inspect the surface of the soil for any signs of decomposing plant tissue or old, dried flower stalks that haven't been removed.
build How to fix it
shopping_cart Recommended Products
1 Remove any decaying organic matter, such as rotting bulb scales or old soil, from the top layer of the pot to eliminate the flies' food source.
2 Deploy yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture the adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack
30 pcs
$7
In Stock
3 Ensure the top layer of soil is dry and consider adding a layer of horticultural perlite to improve aeration and prevent organic matter from fermenting.
Legigo Perlite 15qt
Legigo Perlite 15qt
14.2 L • Perlite
$22
In Stock
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