Why does your Hippeastrum Jewel have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely Fungus Gnat larvae or adults, which thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil required by Hippeastrum. The adults emerge to lay eggs, while the larvae feed on organic matter and can damage the delicate bulb roots of your Jewel Amaryllis.
Hippeastrum species are prone to bulb rot if kept too wet, and this constant moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for Fungus Gnats. Excessive water also weakens the plant's immune system, making it more susceptible to secondary fungal infections.
A potting mix with too much peat moss or compost provides an abundant food source for the larvae of small flies. Jewel Amaryllis prefer a well-draining, more mineral-based substrate that dries out between waterings.