Why does your Dendrobium bigibbum have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist, organic-rich media used for Dendrobium bigibbum. The adults emerge to lay eggs in the top layer of the substrate, while the larvae feed on decomposing organic matter and can damage delicate emerging root hairs.
Frequent watering or a substrate that stays saturated for too long creates an ideal breeding ground for gnats. For Dendrobiums, which require a dry-out period between waterings, constant dampness encourages fungal growth that attracts these pests.
Old, decomposing sphagnum moss or bark within the Dendrobium pot provides the necessary nutrients for gnat larvae. As the orchid medium breaks down and loses aeration, it becomes a nutrient-rich environment for pests.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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