Why does your Echeveria albicans 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 lay eggs in moist organic matter. Their larvae feed on the fine root hairs of Echeveria albicans, potentially causing stunted growth or rot.
Fungus gnats thrive in consistently damp substrates. For a succulent like Echeveria albicans, frequent watering prevents the top layer of soil from drying out, creating a perfect breeding ground for larvae.
Using a standard potting soil instead of a gritty, well-draining cactus mix provides too much decaying organic matter, which serves as the primary food source for gnat larvae.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: