Anthurium andraeanum Sumi Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Overwatering / Soil Saturation Decaying Organic Matter

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Fungus Gnats

The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil preferred by Anthuriums. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage delicate Anthurium root hairs.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to see if small flying insects are 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

$7

In Stock

2 Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to make the environment less hospitable for larvae.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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 moist organic matter.

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Overwatering / Soil Saturation

Excessive moisture in the Anthurium potting mix creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Constant wetness also increases the risk of bacterial soft rot in the plant's fleshy stems.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Insert your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels saturated or muddy, you are watering too frequently.

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1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again to disrupt the fungus gnat life cycle.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Apply a biological control like Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil to target the adult flies and larvae, and use yellow sticky traps to capture flying adults.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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3 Repot the Anthurium in a well-draining medium enriched with perlite to improve aeration and prevent future soil saturation.

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Decaying Organic Matter

Dead Anthurium leaves or old, uncomposted bark in the substrate provide a food source for fly larvae. As these materials decompose, they attract more pests to the plant's root zone.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently inspect the top layer of the medium for any dark, mushy, or decomposing leaf fragments.

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1 Remove all dead, decaying leaves and any decomposing organic matter from the surface of the soil to eliminate the larvae's food source.

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

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Repot the Anthurium in fresh, well-draining substrate to replace the infested material and ensure a clean environment.