Why does your Saintpaulia ionantha have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, whose larvae thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil required by African Violets. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage the delicate root hairs of Saintpaulia.
African Violets are highly susceptible to crown rot from overwatering, which creates a damp environment that attracts fungus gnats and encourages fungal growth. Constant moisture in the top layer of the potting mix provides the perfect breeding ground for fly larvae.
A potting medium containing too much peat moss or decomposing compost can attract flies seeking nutrients for egg-laying. While Saintpaulias love moisture, a high concentration of decomposing organic material acts as a primary food source for the larvae.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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