Why does your Begonia maculata Raddi have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil that Begonia maculata prefers. The larvae live in the top layer of substrate and feed on decaying organic matter or fungal mycelium.
Frequent watering creates the damp environment required for fungus gnat populations to explode. In Begonia maculata, excessive moisture can also lead to secondary issues like root rot, which provides more food for soil-borne larvae.
A substrate with too much peat moss or compost provides an ideal breeding ground for small flies. If the potting mix is not well-draining, it holds onto nutrients and moisture that attract these pests.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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