Why does your Sinningia speciosa Empress Blue Picotee 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-rich soil that Gloxinias require. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage the developing root system of your Sinningia speciosa.
Excessive moisture in the Gloxinia's potting medium creates the perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. Frequent watering or poor drainage prevents the top layer of soil from drying out, attracting pests.
Old, dead leaves or decaying blooms left on the soil surface of your Sinningia provide a food source and habitat for flies. This organic debris is essential for the life cycle of many small soil-dwelling insects.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: