Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Amore Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

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Fungus Gnats

The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil typical for Hydrangeas. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage delicate feeder roots of 'Magical Amore' during their larval stage.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the soil surface to see if small flies are captured.

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture adult flies and disrupt the breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

2 Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the moist environment larvae need to survive.

GROWIT Analog Soil Moisture Meter

Water Meters

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3 Apply a microbial-based soil drench to target larvae in the organic matter.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Microbe Brew 1 Gallon

3.8 L

$115

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Excessive Soil Moisture

Frequent overwatering or poor drainage in Hydrangea pots creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat adults. This constant humidity also increases the risk of secondary fungal pathogens like Botrytis.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check if it remains saturated even when the top layer feels dry.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again to disrupt the fungus gnat breeding cycle.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

—

2 Apply a biological control like Neem Oil to eliminate adult gnats and larvae, and to protect against secondary fungal pathogens.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Improve soil aeration and drainage by mixing in horticultural perlite to prevent the soil from remaining waterlogged.

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High Organic Matter Decomposition

An abundance of uncomposted peat moss or decomposing mulch in the 'Magical Amore' pot provides a nutrient source for fly larvae. As this organic material breaks down, it attracts various dipteran species.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the soil surface contains a thick layer of decomposing bark or unfinished compost.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply a biological insecticide to eliminate the adult flies and larvae by targeting the pest life cycle.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Use yellow sticky traps to capture flying adults and monitor the population levels in the pot.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack