Why does your Rhododendron keiskei 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 thrive in the consistently moist, organic-rich soil preferred by Rhododendron keiskei. Their larvae live in the substrate and feed on decaying organic matter and fine root hairs, potentially causing root damage.
While not the flies themselves, excessive moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnats and can lead to Phytophthora root rot in Rhododendrons. This secondary condition weakens the plant's ability to resist pests.
Certain small flies may be attracted to the fermenting organic matter in acidic peat-based potting mixes used for Rhododendrons. While less harmful than fungus gnats, they indicate that the substrate may be too wet or decomposing excessively.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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