Zantedeschia Captain Odeon Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

search Possible Causes

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Fungus Gnats

These tiny black flies thrive in the moist organic matter of Calla Lily potting soil. Their larvae feed on decaying plant roots and can damage the delicate rhizome system of 'Captain Odeon' if the infestation is heavy.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Place a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to see if small winged insects are captured.

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture the adult flying gnats and break the reproductive cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

2 Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate the moist environment larvae need to thrive.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

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3 Top dress the soil with a layer of horticultural perlite to create a dry barrier that prevents adults from laying eggs in the organic matter.

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Overwatering and Soil Anaeremia

Excessive moisture levels in Calla Lily soil create a perfect breeding ground for fungus gnat larvae and can lead to rhizome rot. When the soil stays saturated, oxygen levels drop, attracting pests that prefer damp environments.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Insert your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels soggy or muddy, you are likely overwatering.

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1 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again to disrupt the fungus gnat life cycle.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Apply a biological control like Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil to target the adult flies and larvae, and use yellow sticky traps to capture flying adults.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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3 Repot the Calla Lily in a well-draining medium enriched with perlite to improve soil aeration and prevent future anaerobic conditions.

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Organic Matter Decomposition

High concentrations of decomposing peat or compost in the potting mix can attract flies looking for a place to lay eggs. As 'Captain Odeon' grows, old organic material breaks down, providing food for the life cycle of various dipterans.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if there is a layer of thick, dark, decaying mulch or old soil sitting on the surface of the pot.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply yellow sticky traps near the soil surface to capture adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

2 Reduce moisture levels and allow the top inch of soil to dry out to make the environment less hospitable for larvae.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters