Why does your Kalanchoe marnieriana have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
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.
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.
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.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: