Why does your Hyacinthus orientalis Aiolos have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in bulbous plants like Hyacinthus is almost always due to fungus gnats, which breed in the organic matter of moist potting soil. Their larvae feed on decaying plant roots and fungal mycelium, which can indirectly stress the bulb.
If the Hyacinth bulb is beginning to rot due to overwatering, the decomposing organic matter creates a perfect breeding ground and food source for various fly species. The flies are often attracted to the smell of fermentation or decay in the substrate.
While less likely to be a direct pest of the plant itself, these flies are attracted to the sweet scent of Hyacinth blooms or fermenting organic matter in the pot. They do not feed on the plant but indicate high humidity and decomposing nutrients in the soil.