Why does your Zantedeschia Captain Melrose 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 due to fungus gnats, whose larvae thrive in the moist organic matter of the potting soil. They are attracted to the high humidity and damp substrate required by Calla Lilies.
Excessive moisture in the Zantedeschia's rhizome area promotes the growth of fungi and algae, which serves as the primary food source for fungus gnat larvae. This can lead to secondary issues like rhizome rot if the soil stays saturated.
If you have recently repotted your Captain Melrose in fresh, highly organic potting mix, the decomposing peat or compost can attract flies looking for a breeding ground. The nutrient-rich environment is ideal for insect colonization.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: