Why does your Amaryllis Picotee have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat larvae or adults, which thrive in the moist, organic-rich potting soil required by Amaryllis. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage developing bulb roots if the population is high.
Frequent watering or poor drainage in the Amaryllis pot creates a perfect breeding ground for gnats. Constant moisture also increases the risk of fungal pathogens that serve as food for the larvae.
Using heavy amounts of compost or organic liquid fertilizers in the Amaryllis pot can attract flies seeking decaying nutrients. These nutrients provide the necessary substrate for gnat egg production.