The term that all succulent lovers detest hearing! Pests, pests, and fungus gnats in particular! Gnats on succulents, or any indoor houseplant for that matter, are a hassle. What produces fungus gnats, though? Fungus gnats are what they sound like. What’s the best way to get rid of fungus gnats from succulents? In this post, I’ll show you how to permanently get rid of gnats on succulents.
You might also be interested in reading: beginner‘s succulent care advice, all you need to know about succulent etiolation, and what causes succulents to become purple.
Succulents With Fungus Gnats
If you’ve arrived at this website, your succulents are most likely infested with gnats. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered and will give you the dirt on everything gnatty. Let’s start from the beginning: what are fungus gnats?
Fungus Gnats Are What They Sound Like
Sciarid flies, sometimes known as fungus gnats, are microscopic flies that are drawn to wet conditions. Because the larva may harm seedlings and cuttings, they are considered a nuisance. This isn’t the best place for your handy propagation station!
Fungus gnats are gray in color and have transparent wings. Fungus gnats have smaller bodies with long legs and antennae than the average fruit fly.
If you’re hesitant, ask yourself, “How do I know if I have fungus gnats on my succulents?” Most likely, you don’t. Gnats on succulents are simple to spot since they linger around your plant, especially when it’s time to water it.
Fungus Gnats on Succulents: What Causes Them?
The following are the two main causes of fungus gnats on succulents:
Overwatering
Overwatering is an issue with succulents, and gnats on succulents are one of the reasons for this.
Succulents are known for being low-maintenance plants that can go without water for lengthy periods of time. Being desert or tropical plants, they are used to scorching temperatures and strong sunlight. Their stems gather and hold water, giving them that plump appearance.
As a result, succulents do not require frequent watering; in fact, you should wait until the soil is totally dry before watering again.
Fungus gnats will surely be attracted to your succulents if you overwater them. The dampness in the potting soil attracts these pests because it provides the ideal nesting site for the mother to lay her eggs.
Gnats will deposit their eggs on organic materials, and after a few weeks, they will hatch, leaving you with an unpleasant infestation!
Incorrect Soil
The second cause for gnats on succulents is that you’re using the incorrect soil. This all boils down to the soil being a damp and moist environment.
Succulents thrive on well-draining soil with a mix of inorganic and organic elements. If you go to your local garden center, they will most likely have ready-made succulent and cactus potting soil mix. If your soil is overly thick, it will absorb an excessive amount of water. This will not only cause issues like root rot, but it will also attract pests like fungus gnats.
Once you’ve found the finest soil for succulents, make sure you’re using a container with drainage holes. Allow the water to drain out the bottom of your indoor succulents and dispose of it. Never leave your succulent in a watery environment!
What is the best way to get rid of fungus gnats on succulents?
There are several methods for getting rid of gnats on succulents, and I’ve divided this piece into two sections: treatments and home cures. The nice thing about gnats is that they’re rather easy to get rid of, and there are a variety of natural gnat-killing methods.
Treatment For Fungus Gnats On Succulents
Fungus gnat treatment for succulents is the first choice you have. You may easily buy ready-made sprays that perform wonderfully online! Introducing nematodes to succulents is one of the most common techniques to get rid of gnats.
Nematodes
Plant-parasitic nematodes are known as eelworms, and nematodes are sometimes known as roundworms. Gnats will be eradicated by these tiny parasites. I understand what you’re thinking… ‘Eeekkkk, parasites?’ but don’t worry, it’ll be OK! Nematodes are a popular approach to get rid of gnats on succulents since they are safe for humans and houseplants.
Traps
Investing in an indoor bug trap is also a good idea! These gadgets normally function by attracting bugs with UV light, sucking them in with a fan, and then trapping them with sticky adhesive boards.
These are a little more expensive – expect to pay roughly $39 for a trap – but they are definitely worth it. They’re effective against gnats, mosquitos, fruit flies, and just about any other flying pest you don’t want in your house.
Traps With a Yellow Sticky substance
Another common method for getting rid of gnats on succulents is to use yellow sticky traps. The bright yellow attracts the bugs, and the high-quality adhesive keeps them glued to the surface.
Sticky traps are also harmless and simple to use. All you have to do is stick the pointed bottom into the ground and wait for the bugs to appear. They’re long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them until they’re covered with bugs, and they’re also quite inexpensive.
Home Cures For Fungus Gnats On Succulents
Allow The Soil To Dry Out
First and foremost. Allow time for the soil to dry. Fungus gnats are drawn to wetness, as previously said, therefore you may have been overwatering your succulent plant. Stop watering immediately if the soil is moist and soggy.
When you do water your succulents, make sure the soil is fully dry first and then give it a good soak. Remember, the objective is to drink more water less frequently. Gnats on succulents should not be a problem if you have a decent watering routine.
Spray Dish Soap
Dish soap spray is a common natural cure for fungus gnats. This is a simple recipe that you probably already have on hand! Dish soap spray is an inexpensive approach to getting rid of insects, albeit it’s not as efficient as store-bought solutions.
In a spray bottle, mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 quart of water. This will result in a 2 percent solution that will kill fungus gnats. To ensure that no long-term harm is caused, I recommend testing this spray on one leaf or stem of your succulent before spraying it on the entire plant.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may be the answer if you’re looking for a natural way to kill gnats. Cinnamon powder has antifungal properties. It will aid in the eradication of fungus gnats by killing the fungus on which the larvae feed.
This is a simple and efficient home cure for gnats in houseplants. Simply sprinkle the cinnamon over the top layer of soil and let the damping-off commence.
Diatomaceous Earth is a kind of diatomaceous earth
Another favorite fungus gnats home treatment among succulent enthusiasts is grade diatomaceous earth. The silica in the mineralized food dust shreds any fly that flies through it.
You may sprinkle the dust on top of the soil or add it to your potting mix. Gnats on succulents will be eradicated, and the larvae will be killed. It is suggested that you use a mask when dealing with diatomaceous earth.
How to permanently keep gnats away from succulents
So, you’ve picked your treatment and gotten rid of those bothersome pests. Great! You now want to make certain they don’t return. So, how can you permanently keep gnats away from succulents?
Choose a soil that drains properly
It’s critical to have well-draining soil. Not only will this help keep gnats and pests away, but it will also keep your succulent plant happy and healthy! If your soil isn’t well-draining, it will absorb much too much water, resulting in typical issues like root rot.
Simply go to your local garden shop to find a variety of cactus and succulent soils. A mixture of inorganic and organic particles will make up well-draining soil.
Don’t overwater your plants
Once you’ve got your well-draining soil in place, the next step in keeping gnats away from succulents is to stick to a regular watering plan. Make sure you don’t overwater. I understand that watering your houseplants is always enticing, especially because so many species require frequent watering. Succulents, on the other hand, are not a houseplant that requires continual maintenance.
Succulents prefer to be submerged rather than overwatered. Before you consider watering again, make sure the soil is fully dry. Overwatering is the most prevalent issue I encounter, and it may result in fungus gnats, pests, mushy leaves, root rot, leaves falling off, and finally, the loss of your cherished plant.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve learned a lot about how to get rid of gnats on succulents after reading this post! Fungus gnats are a bothersome pest to have about the house, despite the fact that they are harmless. There are a variety of approaches you may employ to get rid of bugs in your home.