Why does your Graptoveria gilva have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely adult fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of succulent soil. They emerge to lay eggs in the upper layers of the substrate, often signaling that the Graptoveria's soil is staying damp for too long.
While not the flies themselves, chronic overwatering creates the perfect breeding ground for gnats and can lead to root rot in Graptoveria. This species requires a well-draining, gritty substrate that dries out completely between waterings.
If the Graptoveria is planted in a peat-heavy potting mix, the decaying organic material provides a food source for fly larvae. The presence of flies often indicates that the soil medium is too rich or hasn't been refreshed recently.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: