Kalanchoe marnieriana Tiny Black Flies
eco Tiny Black Flies

Kalanchoe marnieriana – Tiny Black Flies

Why does your Kalanchoe marnieriana have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.

search Possible Causes

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Fungus Gnats

The larvae of these flies live in the top layer of soil and feed on organic matter and fine root hairs. In Kalanchoe, they thrive when the substrate remains consistently moist, which is contrary to this succulent's need for well-draining, dry periods.

Very Common
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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the soil surface to see if small black flies are attracted to it.
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1 Apply a biological control to eliminate the adult flies and larvae; use yellow sticky traps to capture flying adults.
2 Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to disrupt the life cycle of the larvae, as moisture promotes gnat breeding.
3 Repot the Kalanchoe in a well-draining substrate amended with perlite to improve aeration and prevent the soil from staying too wet.
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Overwatering and Soil Anaerobia

While not the flies themselves, excessive moisture in Kalanchoe marnieriana creates the perfect breeding ground for pests. Constant dampness leads to decaying organic matter in the pot, which attracts flies and can eventually cause stem rot.

Very Common
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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels damp, reduce your watering frequency immediately.
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1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the damp breeding ground for flies.
2 Apply yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.
3 Repot the plant in a well-draining medium, incorporating perlite to improve aeration and prevent soil anaerobic conditions.
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Sciarid Flies (Dark-winged Fungus Gnats)

Similar to fungus gnats, these flies target plants with high organic compost content. They are attracted to the moist microclimate created around the base of the Kalanchoe leaves.

Common
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How to confirm: Check the soil surface for small cracks or signs of fungal growth that might be providing food for the larvae.
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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture the adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.
2 Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the moist microclimate required for larvae to thrive.
3 Top-dress the soil with a layer of horticultural perlite to create a dry barrier that prevents adults from laying eggs in the organic matter.

Other Kalanchoe marnieriana problems

Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:

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