Why does your Impatiens walleriana 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 consistently moist soil required by Impatiens. Their larvae live in the top layer of soil and feed on organic matter and decaying roots.
High amounts of decomposing compost or peat moss in the Impatiens potting mix provide an ideal breeding ground and food source for fungus gnat larvae.
Excessive moisture in Impatiens often leads to fungal growth on the soil surface, which attracts gnats and creates a cycle of decay that weakens the plant's root system.