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Pests
Fungus Gnats in Succulent Soil
Commonly affects: Various succulents (Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, and others)
Small dark flies hover around the plant and soil surface, thriving in consistently moist potting mix.
Potential Causes
- 1Overly moist potting mix from overwatering
- 2Organic matter in the mix breaking down and attracting egg-laying adults
Solution Steps
- 1Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, which succulents need anyway
- 2Use yellow sticky traps to catch and monitor adult gnats
- 3Apply a BTI product to the soil if a persistent infestation continues despite drier watering habits
- 4Use a mix with more inorganic material for better drainage
Prevention Tip
Fungus gnats on a succulent are almost always a sign of overwatering â correcting watering frequency usually resolves it without pesticide.
