Why does your Begonia rex-cultorum have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The larvae of these flies thrive in the moist, organic-rich substrate preferred by Rex Begonias. They feed on decaying organic matter and can occasionally damage the delicate root hairs of the plant.
Excessive moisture in Rex Begonia soil creates an ideal breeding ground for fungus gnats. Constant wetness also leads to anaerobic conditions that attract scavengers.
While less common as a pest for Rex Begonias specifically, certain flies are attracted to the high moisture levels and fermenting organic matter in dense foliage.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: