Why does your Heuchera villosa have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe presence of tiny black flies in the soil of Heuchera is most often due to Fungus Gnats, whose larvae feed on organic matter and decaying roots. They thrive in the consistently moist, well-draining soil that Heuchera prefers, especially if the top layer of substrate remains damp.
While not the flies themselves, overwatering Heuchera creates a high-humidity microclimate in the soil that attracts gnats and promotes fungal growth. This environment weakens the plant's rhizome, making it more susceptible to secondary pests.
If the flies are congregating around decaying leaves, the plant may be suffering from Black Scorch (caused by *Septoria* or *Phytophthora*). The decomposing leaf tissue provides an ideal breeding ground and food source for various small dipterans.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: