Why does your Cymbidium ensifolium have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe presence of tiny black flies in a Cymbidium orchid is most often due to fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of the potting medium. The adults emerge to mate, while the larvae feed on decaying roots and fine root hairs, potentially weakening the plant's structural integrity.
Constant moisture in the bark or moss substrate creates an ideal breeding ground for flies and promotes fungal growth. For Cymbidium ensifolium, which prefers a cycle of drying between waterings, saturated medium leads to anaerobic conditions that attract pests.
As orchid bark or sphagnum moss breaks down over time, it becomes more acidic and nutrient-rich for larvae. This decomposition process releases gases and moisture that attract flies searching for a place to lay eggs.
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