Why does your Begonia Monza Pink 138 have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, which thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil required by Rex Begonias. Their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and can damage the delicate rhizome of the Monza Pink if populations become excessive.
Frequent watering or a substrate that stays saturated for too long creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. For Rex Begonias, excessive moisture can also lead to rhizome rot, which provides more food for the pests.
The use of heavy peat moss or compost-rich potting mixes provides a nutrient-dense environment for insect larvae. While Rex Begonias love humidity, overly decomposed organic matter attracts scavengers like gnats.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: