Why does your Pelargonium Black Velvet Scarlet have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in the soil of a Pelargonium is most commonly due to fungus gnat larvae feeding on organic matter and decaying roots. The adults emerge to lay eggs in the moist topsoil of your Black Velvet Scarlet, attracted by the high humidity levels these varieties prefer.
Black Velvet Scarlet varieties have lush, velvety foliage that thrives in moisture, but consistently wet soil creates the perfect breeding ground for pests. High organic content in the potting mix can lead to anaerobic conditions that attract flies.
If you have recently added compost or organic fertilizers to the Pelargonium's pot, the flies may be attracted to the fermentation process. These tiny insects thrive on the breakdown of nitrogen-rich materials in the substrate.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: