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Fungus Gnats on monstera deliciosa

monstera deliciosa with fungus gnats

What's Happening

Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are attracted to the moist, organic-rich soil often used for Monsteras. While adults are a nuisance, the larvae feed on delicate root hairs, potentially opening paths for secondary fungal infections like Pythium.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Apply Mosquito Bits or dunks (containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis - BTI) to the soil surface or via "BTI tea" (soaking bits in water before use).

  2. 2

    Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry completely between waterings to kill surface-dwelling larvae.

  3. 3

    Use yellow sticky traps to catch adult gnats and break the breeding cycle.

How to Prevent It

Bottom-water when possible to keep the topsoil dry. Use an airy aroid mix with bark and perlite to prevent the stagnant, soggy conditions gnats prefer.

Related Problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes fungus gnats on my plant?
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are attracted to the moist, organic-rich soil often used for Monsteras. While adults are a nuisance, the larvae feed on delicate root hairs, potentially opening paths for ...
How do I fix fungus gnats?
Apply Mosquito Bits or dunks (containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis - BTI) to the soil surface or via "BTI tea" (soaking bits in water before use).. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry completely between waterings to kill surface-dwelling larvae..
How do I prevent fungus gnats from happening again?
Bottom-water when possible to keep the topsoil dry. Use an airy aroid mix with bark and perlite to prevent the stagnant, soggy conditions gnats prefer.