Why does your Haworthia cooperi Variegata have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, which lay eggs in moist organic matter. Their larvae feed on the fine root hairs of your Haworthia, which can lead to reduced water uptake and plant decline.
Excessive moisture in the succulent substrate creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. For a Haworthia cooperi, damp soil prevents necessary dry periods, leading to both pest outbreaks and potential rhizome rot.
The presence of decomposing peat or old, decaying leaves in the Haworthia pot provides a nutrient source for gnats. These flies are attracted to the smell of organic decay within the substrate.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: