Why does your Zantedeschia Captain Brunello have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of tiny black flies in a Zantedeschia is most often caused by fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter found in calla lily potting soil. They feed on decaying plant material and can damage developing root systems if the population becomes large.
Zantedeschia species require well-draining soil; however, if the medium remains saturated, it creates a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae. This persistent dampness can also lead to rhizome rot in Captain Brunello.
If you have recently added compost or organic mulch to the Zantedeschia pot, the decomposing material serves as a primary food source and breeding site for small flies. This is common in plants that require nutrient-rich substrates.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: