Why does your Davallia bullata (Hares Foot Fern) have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, which thrive in the consistently damp substrate required by Davallia bullata. Their larvae live in the soil and feed on decaying organic matter and occasionally fine root hairs of the fern.
Excessive moisture in the potting medium creates the perfect breeding ground for gnat larvae. In Davallia bullata, if the rhizome or roots stay too wet, it encourages organic decomposition that attracts these pests.
Using a peat-heavy or overly compost-rich potting mix provides an abundant food source for the larvae of black flies. Davallia bullata prefers well-draining, airy mixes that don't hold excessive decomposing nutrients.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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