Why does your Canna Orange Shades have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The larvae of these flies live in the moist top layer of soil and feed on organic matter or decaying root material. In Canna lilies, which prefer consistently moist environments, the high humidity and frequent watering create an ideal breeding ground for these pests.
While not a direct cause, overly saturated soil promotes the growth of fungus and bacteria that attract scavenging flies. If the Canna's rhizomes are sitting in stagnant water, it creates the perfect nutrient-rich environment for fly larvae to thrive.
Canna lilies produce significant biomass; if old leaves or spent blooms are left to rot on the soil surface, they provide a primary food source for various small flies. These decaying tissues act as an incubator for fly eggs.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: