Zantedeschia Captain Reno Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

search Possible Causes

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Fungus Gnats

The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat larvae or adults, which thrive in the moist organic matter found in Calla Lily potting soil. They lay eggs in the top layers of substrate, and their larvae feed on decaying organic material and fine root hairs of the Zantedeschia.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Set a yellow sticky trap near the base of the plant to confirm if small flying insects are being captured.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture adult fungus gnats and interrupt their breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

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2 Reduce watering frequency and allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely to kill larvae in the substrate.

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.

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Overwatering/Excessive Soil Moisture

Frequent watering or poor drainage in Calla Lily pots creates the perfect humid environment for fungus gnat reproduction. Constant moisture can also lead to rhizome rot, which produces more organic decay for pests to feed on.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check if it remains saturated long after a watering session.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

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 Captain Jack's Neem Oil to target the larvae and adults, and use yellow sticky traps to capture flying insects.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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3 Repot the plant in a well-draining medium and ensure the container has adequate drainage to prevent moisture buildup.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

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High Organic Matter in Potting Mix

Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno' requires nutrient-rich soil, but an excess of peat moss or compost can provide an abundant food source for fly larvae. If the substrate is too rich and stays damp, the population of black flies will explode.

Common

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How to confirm: Examine the soil surface for small, grain-like white larvae moving through the top layer of the medium.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

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

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

2 Reduce moisture levels by allowing the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters