Why does your Graptosedum Francesco Baldi have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist substrate required by Graptosedum. Their larvae live in the soil and feed on organic matter and decaying root tissues, potentially causing root damage to your succulent.
While not the direct cause of the flies, excessively wet soil provides the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Graptosedum Francesco Baldi is a succulent that requires well-draining grit; constant moisture prevents the top layer of soil from drying out, inviting pests.
If your potting mix contains high amounts of peat moss or compost, it provides an abundant food source for the larvae of black flies. This nutrient-rich, damp environment is much more susceptible to infestations than a purely mineral-based succulent mix.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: