Why does your Sedum morganianum have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in succulent soil is most often caused by Fungus Gnats, whose larvae feed on organic matter and decaying roots. They thrive in the consistently moist topsoil layers that Burro's Tail requires for hydration but cannot tolerate long-term.
While not the fly itself, high soil moisture levels attract gnats and create the perfect environment for fungal pathogens. For Sedum morganianum, damp substrate leads to decaying fleshy leaves, providing a food source for larvae.
The flies are attracted to the microscopic fungal growth occurring on the surface of the organic potting mix. This happens when the soil stays damp for too long, breaking down much of the peat or compost in the medium.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: