Why does your Hippeastrum Christmas Gift 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 thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil preferred by Hippeastrum. Their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and can damage the developing bulb roots if populations become high.
Ammaryllis bulbs are highly susceptible to rot if the medium stays saturated. Constant moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae and can lead to secondary fungal infections in the bulb scales.
If using a potting mix very high in peat moss or compost, the decomposition process attracts gnats. As the organic material breaks down, it releases CO2 and moisture that signal a feeding site for the insects.
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