Why does your Graptoveria Silver Star have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in a succulent like Graptoveria is most commonly due to fungus gnats, which breed in the moist organic matter of the potting soil. While the adults are mostly a nuisance, their larvae feed on organic matter and can damage delicate Graptoveria root hairs.
Fungus gnat populations explode when Graptoveria soil remains damp for extended periods. Because Silver Star requires a dry, fast-draining medium, frequent watering provides the perfect environment for fly larvae to thrive.
If the planting medium contains too much peat moss or compost, it provides a rich food source for fly larvae. Graptoveria should ideally be planted in a gritty, mineral-heavy mix to prevent this buildup of organic nutrients.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: