Why does your Sinningia leucotricha have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of Sinningia soil. They feed on decaying roots and fungi, often appearing when the rhizome-bearing substrate stays too damp for too long.
The presence of flies often coincides with high humidity and moisture, which triggers rot in the Sinningia rhizome. As the rhizome decays, it provides a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae.
While less likely to be 'flying' around the room, tiny black insects on a Sinningia can be aphids. They cluster on the underside of the fuzzy leaves and suck sap, which can lead to secondary fungal growth that attracts flies.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: