Why does your Lilium orientalis Catemaco have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of Lily soil. They feed on decaying plant material and can damage the delicate root hairs of your Oriental Lily, potentially leading to stunted growth.
Oriental Lilies prefer well-drained soil, and persistent moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Excess water can also lead to Bulb Rot, which attracts various small flies looking for decaying matter.
If you have recently added fresh compost or mulch around the base of the 'Catemaco', the decomposing organic material acts as an attractant and food source for adult flies.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: