Kalanchoe Passion Cleta Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Fungus Gnats Overwatering and Soil Moisture Retention Organic Matter Decomposition

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Fungus Gnats

The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, which breed in the moist organic matter of the Kalanchoe's potting soil. Their larvae feed on fungal mycelia and fine root hairs, which can weaken the succulent's stability.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to confirm the presence of flying adults.

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flying gnats and break the breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

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2 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely to eliminate the moist environment larvae need to survive.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

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3 Top-dress the soil with a layer of horticultural perlite or sand to create a dry barrier that prevents adults from laying eggs in the organic matter.

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Overwatering and Soil Moisture Retention

Kalanchoe Passion Cleta is a succulent that requires well-draining soil; persistent wetness creates the perfect breeding ground for flies. High humidity and damp topsoil encourage the life cycle of pests and can lead to secondary root rot.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check if the top two inches of soil stay wet for more than a week, which indicates insufficient drying time between waterings.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

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

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Apply yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture adult flies and prevent further reproduction.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Repot the Kalanchoe in a well-draining succulent mix, incorporating perlite to improve aeration and prevent moisture retention.

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Organic Matter Decomposition

The presence of decomposing peat moss or decaying organic matter in the potting mix provides a food source for fly larvae. If the Kalanchoe has been repotted recently with heavy, nutrient-rich soil, it may attract these insects.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the soil surface for tiny, worm-like larvae moving through the top layer of substrate.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture adult flies and disrupt the breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

2 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely to eliminate the moist environment required for larvae development.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue