Why does your Sinningia Empress Purple Spotted Throat have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
These small black flies thrive in the moist, organic-rich potting soil required by Sinningia. Their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and can occasionally damage the delicate tuberous roots of the Gloxinia.
Sinningia species are highly susceptible to rot; frequent watering keeps the top layer of soil damp, creating a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. This environment also stresses the tuber, making it harder for the plant to recover from pests.
If there is old, dead foliage or unabsorbed fertilizer sitting on the soil surface of your Empress Purple, it provides a primary food source for fly larvae. Sinningia leaves are large and can trap moisture against the soil, accelerating decay.