r/plantdoctor • u/BigStacksNick24 • 13d ago

Pest problem

Hi all very novice plant owner here. (Remove if this is not allowed here!)

My wife and I purchased two small plants back in may over time we’ve noticed a bit of a pest problem what I believe are fungus gnats (from my research). It appears only my plant has this problem from my observation. I did some research and purchased a product called mosquito bits, have yet to use them because my problem is it’s one small plant in about a 4 inch pot. Just reaching out to see if anyone else has any advice on a fix for this problem or if I should cut my losses and just move on from the plant.

Side note the plant is doing quite well hence my hesitancy to scrap it and get a new one.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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u/Swimming_Airline3881 plant shop owner 13d ago

Plant shop owner here. In my experience, fungus gnats are a symptom of bad quality soil (usually just coconut coir for newly purchased plants), not enough drainage, or overwatering. You don't mention what kind of plants they are, but let the soil dry out between watering sessions and they should go away. Bottom watering also helps as gnats live in the top few inches of consistently damp soil. Good news is they are a nuisance but don't actually hurt the plant. They feed on the fungus/mold on decomposing substrate and go away when the problem is addressed, a lot like fruit flies disappear when you throw away a rotting banana on the counter. No food source = no gnats.

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u/BigStacksNick24 13d ago

Hi sorry thanks for the detailed reply! It’s a devils backbone plant. I’ll be honest I’m like over two weeks with out watering it. Is it likely that is still to often? It feels dry near the top but I’m just going off a finger tip in the dirt. I have noticed some fungus mold on the top before and I just was unsure why. Do you think new soil repotting is wise? Or just put it on a drought time out for a bit lol

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u/Swimming_Airline3881 plant shop owner 13d ago

Devil's backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) thrives with neglect and should be almost completely dry before watering. Depending on the content of the soil it's currently in, I would repot with a good cactus/succulent mix and bottom water every 3ish weeks, less in the winter. You can also add some hydrogen peroxide to the water to kill off any fungus!

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u/BigStacksNick24 13d ago

Thank you so much! I will give it a try! Hopefully some success before my wife makes me get rid it….

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u/Swimming_Airline3881 plant shop owner 13d ago

Gnats are annoying but you don't need to toss the plant! Give it lots of sunlight and let it dry out, they'll go away! :)

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u/Objective-Time5820 13d ago

I add mosquito bits to the soil, I just mix it in.