Why does your Hyacinthus orientalis Delft Blue have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies near the soil surface in hyacinths is almost always due to fungus gnats, whose larvae feed on organic matter and fungal mycelia in moist bulb media. High humidity and frequent watering required for spring blooms create the perfect breeding ground for these pests.
While not the cause of the flies themselves, the decay caused by overwatering attracts fungus gnats because they feed on the fungi associated with rotting bulbs. If the bulb base is soft, the flies are likely scavenging the decomposing tissue.
If you have recently added fresh compost or organic potting mix to your hyacinth pot, the flies may be attracted to the high nitrogen content and decomposing nutrients. This is common in new plantings where the substrate is highly active.
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