Zantedeschia Captain Romance Tiny Black Flies - Causes & Fixes

search Possible Causes

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Fungus Gnats

The tiny black flies are likely fungus gnat adults, whose larvae thrive in the moist, organic-rich soil required by Calla Lilies. They feed on decaying organic matter and can damage the delicate rhizomes of 'Captain Romance' if the infestation becomes severe.

Very Common

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

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1 Deploy yellow sticky traps to capture adult fungus gnats and disrupt their breeding 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 kill larvae in the organic matter.

GROWIT Analog Soil Moisture Meter

Water Meters

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3 Apply a microbial-based soil drench to target the larvae living in the root zone.

FoxFarm Bush Doctor Microbe Brew 1 Gallon

3.8 L

$115

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Soil Moisture Imbalance

Excessive soil moisture or a lack of surface drying provides the perfect breeding ground for pests. Calla Lilies prefer moist but well-draining soil; if the top layer stays saturated, it attracts flies and promotes fungal growth.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Insert your finger two inches into the soil to check if it is staying wet for too long between waterings.

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1 Apply a biological control to eliminate the adult and larval stages of the flies.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

2 Monitor the soil to ensure the top layer dries out between waterings, preventing the damp conditions that attract pests.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

3 Amend the existing soil with perlite to improve drainage and prevent the soil from remaining saturated.

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Decaying Organic Matter

Old, dying leaves or decomposing fertilizer pellets in the pot can attract flies looking for a food source. As 'Captain Romance' grows, spent blooms that are left to rot on the soil surface provide an ideal nursery for larvae.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the soil surface for any decaying leaf fragments or old flower stalks and remove them.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove all decaying organic matter, including spent blooms, dead leaves, and old fertilizer pellets, from the soil surface to eliminate the larvae's food source.

2 Deploy yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture adult flies and disrupt their breeding cycle.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

In Stock

3 Refresh the top layer of soil with a clean, organic substrate to prevent new larvae from developing in old material.