Why does your Mini rose Lipstick Jewel have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, which lay eggs in the top layer of moist soil. Their larvae feed on organic matter and can damage the delicate root systems of miniature roses by consuming fine feeder roots.
Fungus gnat populations explode when the potting medium for miniature roses stays consistently wet. This lack of drying cycles creates the perfect breeding ground for larvae in the organic-rich peat often used for rose mixes.
A potting mix that is too rich in compost or decaying bark provides an abundant food source for gnat larvae. Miniature roses require well-draining soil, but over-amending with decomposing matter can attract these pests.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: