Why does your Cotyledon tomentosa have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in succulent soil is most commonly due to fungus gnats, whose larvae feed on organic matter and decaying roots. They thrive in the moist topsoil layers that Cotyledon tomentosa requires far less of than typical tropical plants.
While not the cause of the flies, high populations of fungus gnat larvae can damage the fine root hairs of your Bear's Paw, leading to stunted growth or leaf discoloration. This occurs because the larvae consume the organic components of the potting medium.
Fungus gnats require consistent moisture to complete their life cycle; if your Cotyledon tomentosa soil is staying damp for too long, it creates an ideal breeding ground. This moisture level is also high enough to trigger potential rot in this succulent species.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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