Why does your Cymbidium aloifolium have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe larvae of these flies live in the organic matter of the potting medium and feed on decaying roots or fungal mycelium. In Cymbidium species, high moisture levels in the bark/sphagnum substrate provide the perfect breeding ground.
While not flies themselves, certain fungal pathogens can create dark, necrotic lesions that attract opportunistic small flies seeking decaying tissue. This often occurs when the orchid's pseudobulbs are kept too damp.
An accumulation of decomposed orchid bark creates a rich, anaerobic environment that attracts various Diptera species. As the substrate loses aeration, it becomes much more attractive to flies looking for moist breeding sites.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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