skip to main content

Texas Gardening

Will fungus gnats eat bulb roots?

9 years ago

My potting soil outdoors isn't doing too well - fungus gnats in it.

I'm not sure if they eat bulb roots, but my tulips look weird and the stems are not swelling for a bloom.

If I use DE now, think I might luck up and get blooms? Funny thing is, crocus and hyacinth doing very well; but my gladiolus and tulips are suffering. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but i have tulips at work and they are blooming already and not gnats in soil :(

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

roselee z8b S.W. Texas
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Nice collection of plants, especially for this time of year. Your tulips look like they are coming along great.

I don't have any personal experience with fungus gnats, but the link says that though they mainly eat fungi and and organic matter in the soil, they will eat plant roots. How voracious they may be in eating strong roots from a tulip bulb I don't know. Perhaps let the soil dry out as the article suggests:

About fungus gnats

Maybe someone else will see this now that it's brought back to the top and have more information.

It's unfortunate that posts which are not answered don't stay at the top until someone logs on that knows the answer.. You have to click the "Latest Activity" box and go to "Unanswered" to find them. There's been a lot of complaints about it so maybe that will change.

In the meantime maybe original posters can post to their post to bring it back up.
pinkkpearls
Original Author
9 years ago
well I am fearful roselee - these leaves now look deformed and are starting to yellow. I put some DE in them, hopefully that will help if those gnats are in there. I appreciate your kind comments, my 1st time doing planters and tulips..I figured why not lol

if these don't do well, I still have my tulips in the ground that are budding big time.
Related Discussions
fungus gnats and very little light
Q
Comments (8)
You are a brave soul! I have plenty of difficulty growing edibles in perfectly good conditions outside. I agree, you don't have enough light without adding some extra source, at least for plants that usually grow in full sun outside, such as sage. A product called mosquito dunks can help get rid of FG's if they show up again. Yes, they could have come from either of the sources you mentioned. Whenever there are moist organic bits decomposing in a pot, FG's would like to make their home there. I'm not sure about using this on edibles though. If someone doesn't pop in to confirm or deny, I'm sure the info's readily available by searching. Do you have any interest in ornamental plants? You might want to ask about the edibles in the veggie, herb, and/or container forums. There's definitely folks who visit house plant forum who are interested and experienced in the kind of gardening you're asking about, but I think your questions would get more responses on one of those other forums. There's also a forum for gardening under lights. If you poke around these other forums, you should get a feel for which one would be best to help you, or might find some answers to previous questions that help you out. Sending good vibes! - Tiffany
...See More
fungus gnats living in the soil...ruining my plant?long with pics
Q
Comments (9)
The above statement is just wrong, fungus gnats do cause harm. If there is root damage they will eat the rotting flesh much like any maggot. I don't know how many times I've had to completely remove a plant and wash it in a bleach solution to kill the little buggers because they have gotten into a small cut in the stem of a plant or root tips. First off do not use any organic stuff like peat, second use lots of chunky stuff like pumice or perlite, and pot it in a clay pot which is just large enough to take the root ball, no bigger. Do not let it sit in water ever. Invest in wooden bbq skewers. Use one to go into the soil about three inches, if it comes back wet or with soil on it, give it a couple of days before watering again. You can also tell by the color of the clay pot, if it's darker, it doesn't need water, if it lightens up and the soil is dry, water. Top dressing will be the death of your plant especially if you don't know the ups and downs of watering yet. It should only be used if you plan on showing your plant, or you really know what you're doing water wise. I'll tell you why, top dressing is used to keep the soil from caking, but also to retain moisture in the soil. Unless you live in a really dry hot area, I would not advise it for a Dief.
...See More
forget-me-nots and fungus gnats
Q
Comments (6)
Are these plants going to be planted outside in the near future? If so, that will probably take care of the problem. If not, I'll suggest that the browning of the leaves might be caused by overly moist conditions and/or a potting medium that is simply too dense and peaty. Add the pressure of fungus gnat larvae to the mix and you've got some pretty unhappy plants. Rather than disturbing the fragile roots of your plants by transplanting, I think I would pick up a little packet of Mosquito Dunks, which have the active ingredient that will kill off the larvae. All you have to do is put a piece of a dunk into your watering can, let it soak for several hours, then water your plants as usual. Use the treatment each time you water. Apply a layer of sand to the surface of your container to deter the adults from laying eggs in the soil. Of course, consider the moisture level of the medium, air circulation, sunlight, etc.
...See More
Fungus Gnats larvae ?
Q
Comments (5)
Plants do need water but not quite as much as what is necessary for Fungus Gnat larva to hatch and grow. As every link I have posted over the last several years indicates watering less, allowing the soil to dry to a depth of about 2 inches, is enough to stop these wee buggers, no opinion is needed unless you do not wish to believe the horticulture researchers.
...See More
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
9 years ago
Sorry about your tulip in pots, but glad those in the ground are doing well.

To kills insects in the soil DE would have to come in contact with them. It works by piercing their outer covering so the body fluids leak out. So it seems that to be effective you'd have to dig it into the soil to kill the fungus gnat larvae. However, placed on top of the soil it might kill the adults as they emerge and knock down their numbers.

About DE

Related Stories

GREAT LAKES GARDENING Great Lakes Gardener's November Checklist

By Barbara Pintozzi

So many seed heads and berries to admire as you prepare for winter and prep bulbs for forced indoor blooming

0

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Bugle Weed, a Quick Ground Cover

It’s highly adaptable, suppresses weeds, reduces erosion and provide weeks of bright flowers. Just watch for invasiveness

HOUSEPLANTS Indoor Winter Gardens for Cheerier Days

By Laura Gaskill

Bring plants inside for drab-days mood boosting — not to mention cleaner indoor air and protection for your greenery

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants

Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind

MOST POPULAR How to Get Rid of Those Pesky Summer Fruit Flies

By Mitchell Parker

Learn what fruit flies are, how to prevent them and how to get rid of them in your home

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

EDIBLE GARDENS Garden BFFs? Why Your Vegetables Are Begging for Companion Plants

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Foster friendships among plants for protection from pests, pollination support and color camaraderie

Sponsored

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

233 Reviews

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

More Discussions

Placing the TV on the wall and designing the artificial stone behind t

1

How cold is too cold for bare root bagged roses?...

12

Costco bareroots in TX -- 2 plants $16

2

cleaver invasion

2

Weed Treatment For Bermuda Grass

6