Why does your Echeveria elegans Alba 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 top layer of soil and feed on organic matter or decaying roots. In Echeveria, they thrive in the consistently damp substrate required by many succulent growers.
These are closely related to fungus gnats and specifically target moisture-rich environments. They are often a sign that the Echeveria's potting medium is staying wet for too long, which can lead to rot.
If you use organic fertilizers or have decomposing organic matter/fruit nearby, these flies may be attracted to the pot. While they don't harm the Echeveria directly, they indicate a lack of cleanliness in the growing area.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: