nurtomi

Fungus gnats in potting mix

Small dark flies around pots often favor damp mix.

A fungus gnat on wood, shown enlarged.
A fungus gnat on wood, shown enlarged. Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to look for

Fungus gnats are slender dark flies commonly seen near moist potting soil. Adults are mainly a nuisance; persistent dampness and, in heavy infestations, larvae can also affect vulnerable roots.

What to do

Let the mix dry to the level the plant tolerates before watering again and empty standing water from the saucer. Yellow sticky cards monitor adults; check the mix and continue for several weeks.

Sources