Why does your Begonia x semperflorens cultorum 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 lay eggs in moist organic matter. Their larvae feed on the fine root hairs of Wax Begonias, which can weaken the plant's ability to absorb nutrients.
Wax Begonias are susceptible to root rot if kept too wet. Constant moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae and promotes fungal pathogens in the potting medium.
Accumulated dead leaves at the base of the Begonia or overly rich, decomposing compost provides a nutrient-dense environment for insect life cycles to accelerate.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: