fungus gnats on Jade Plant
Quick answer
If your Jade Plant has fungus gnats, the most likely cause is: Fungus gnats are tiny flying pests whose larvae live in the top layer of damp potting mix, where they feed on fungi, algae, and tender jade plant (Crassula ovata) roots. Their presence is a direct signal that the soil has stayed wet for more than a few days without sufficient airflow around the jade's pot. Adult gnats hover over the soil and lay eggs that hatch into root-feeding larvae within days.
Start here:
- 1. Allow the jade plant's soil to dry completely and remain dry for three days before rewatering to kill a fungus gnat infestation in the larval stage
- 2. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth, ground cinnamon, or apply neem oil to the soil surface to kill fungus gnat larvae and adults on contact
Why Jade Plant gets fungus gnats
Crassula ovata
Fungus gnats are tiny flying pests whose larvae live in the top layer of damp potting mix, where they feed on fungi, algae, and tender jade plant (Crassula ovata) roots. Their presence is a direct signal that the soil has stayed wet for more than a few days without sufficient airflow around the jade's pot. Adult gnats hover over the soil and lay eggs that hatch into root-feeding larvae within days.
How to reverse fungus gnats on Jade Plant
- 1
Allow the jade plant's soil to dry completely and remain dry for three days before rewatering to kill a fungus gnat infestation in the larval stage
- 2
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth, ground cinnamon, or apply neem oil to the soil surface to kill fungus gnat larvae and adults on contact
- 3
Switch to bottom-watering the jade plant and use a well-draining cactus mix with extra perlite or pumice so the topsoil never stays soggy
Keep fungus gnats off this Jade Plant
Water jade plants only when the top of the soil is fully dry, ensure each pot has unobstructed drainage holes, and keep a fan or open window moving air across the soil surface to prevent the damp, stagnant conditions that fungus gnats need to breed. Quarantine new plants and inspect their soil before placing them near established jade plants.