Why does your Freesia Vivaldi have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist organic matter of Freesia potting soil. Their larvae feed on fine root hairs, potentially causing stunted growth or yellowing in your Vivaldi cultivar.
Freesias prefer well-drained soil, but overly saturated substrate creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Constant moisture also increases the risk of rhizome rot in Vivaldi Freesias.
Old, decomposing leaves or uncomposted organic matter in the Freesia pot provide nutrients and hiding spots for fly larvae. As the plant matures, leftover debris can attract these pests.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: