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Prayer Plant with Flying Bugs

14 years ago

I have a prayer plant that I bought at a yardsale. I am a beginner and I understand this isn't necessarily the plant for me.... but I'm trying!!! (I love this plant- had one before and it lasted for about a year- was very sad the day I had to say goodbye)

Anyway... my new plant appears to have a little problem with bugs- flying ones at that. (perhaps fungus gnats???) About a month ago I noticed little holes on the plants leaves. I used a light soap and water mixture spray on it during my misting times. I've been monitoring the new growth and those leaves seem to be ok, however I have noticed a small flying bug or two when I mist/water the plant. Are these problems related? What will make the bugs go away? Any suggestions???

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
14 years ago
You'll need to try to describe this insect if you want to give us a fair chance at identifying it.
camino56
Original Author
14 years ago
It looks like a tiny fruit fly or gnat. Besides that I can't tell. I've not caught any and I only see one or two. It seems like I'm seeing more holes in the leaves.... but I can't be 100% sure.
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In my experience, white flies would be on the foliage rather than soil. Fungus gnats seem more likely given the OP's description. They're generally a nuisance but not a problem for the plants. You can make life a bit harder for them by letting the top layer of soil dry between waterings. Are you caring for these pots any differently than the others you mentioned? More water? Different fertilizer? Different potting media? More shade? Here is a link that might be useful: Fungus Gnats as Houseplant and Indoor Pests
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I can sympathize with you. Have you thought of ladybugs? They are a natural predator of many pests, especially aphids.They eat alot of aphids, but their larvae babies eat even more! To learn more, do a google search on them- and you can buy them online. I'll be getting mine soon!:)Good Luck! kasha77 ps- do you have enough humidity in your gh? If the air's too dry, pests will multiply.
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They could be thrips which are a serious pain because they tend to feed off the roots of the plant. If you dont want to use insecticide, I heard that dunking the entire pot, plant and all in clean water can drown off the critters. apparently flytraps are marsh plants so they wont mind a bit of water.
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Very possibly fungus gnats which breed readily in potting medium if kept on the moist side. The tiny larvae, which live in the soil, can become a problem for plants if their population is too high. They will feed on the roots. If you mulch your plants with aquarium gravel, the adults will not be able to lay their eggs in the potting soil. Allow your plants to dry out a bit between waterings, if possible. Next year, plan on using a medium with improved porosity, or fix the problem yourself by adding a large percentage of perlite to the mix before potting up.
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larry_b
14 years ago
Rhizo is correct. You need to identify the insect. Maybe take one or more down to your county extension office. If it is fungus knats, they are not eating your folliage.

Larry
birdsnblooms
14 years ago
Camino, what color are the bugs? Toni
HU-876599105
4 years ago
I have the same problem with little flying bugs. They are tiny like fruit flies but have a blue tinge to their wings

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