Why does your Lilium orientalis Mabel have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The most common cause of tiny black flies around lilies is the fungus gnat, which thrives in the moist organic matter of Lily bulb potting soil. Their larvae feed on decaying plant material and can damage the developing root system of 'Mabel' lilies.
In an attempt to colonize the bulb, various flies may be attracted to the high moisture levels and decomposing organic mulch around the base of the Lily. While not directly attacking the lily, they indicate a substrate environment that is too anaerobic or overly decomposed.
If your 'Mabel' lily is kept indoors or near a kitchen, fruit flies may be attracted to the humidity and sweet scent of any fermenting organic matter in nearby pots. They are generally not pests to the lily itself but indicate an issue with nearby refuse or overripe plant debris.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: