Why does your Begonia Havana Pink 843 have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely adult fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist organic matter found in Begonia potting soil. Their larvae feed on decaying organic material and can damage the delicate root systems of Wax Begonias by consuming fine root hairs.
Wax Begonias prefer well-draining soil; however, if the medium stays saturated, it creates a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Constant dampness also increases the risk of secondary fungal pathogens like Botrytis.
If the potting mix contains heavy amounts of peat moss or compost that has begun to break down, it provides an abundant food source for fly larvae. This decomposition process releases CO2 and moisture, attracting more adults to lay eggs.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: