Why does your Rieger Begonia have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely the adult stage of fungus gnats, which lay eggs in moist organic matter. Their larvae feed on the delicate root hairs of Rieger Begonias, potentially causing root decay and nutrient deficiency.
Rieger Begonias prefer consistently moist but well-draining soil; however, overly wet conditions create a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. This moisture level also increases the risk of Botrytis blight on the begonia's fleshy leaves.
Dead leaves or decomposing peat in the Begonia pot provide a nutrient-rich environment for fly larvae. As Rieger Begonia leaves naturally age and drop, they can become a primary food source for pests if not removed.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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