I've recently started gathering a collection of succulents but didn't notice that one of the plants was infested with fungus gnats until it was too late. Now, I'm killing over 20 gnats a day by hand, and the traps I've set up are filling up quickly. I have about 40 different succulents inside my apartment in Colorado, where the humidity is around 40-50%.
I'm wondering if my soil mix might be too moisture-retentive, contributing to this problem. I'm using a soil mix called rosy soil, which often feels damp, even if I haven't watered recently. I repotted all my plants in this mix, and I'm contemplating whether I should create a mix with mostly inorganic materials and only about 10-20% of the rosy soil to repot all my succulents. I have varieties like jade, crassula, and aloe, and I'm also considering using mosquito bits, but I'm in desperate need of a quick solution since the gnats are everywhere! Any advice would really help!
3 Answers
Oh no, gnats can be such a pain! You could also consider using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which is the active ingredient in mosquito bits. Just remember that your succulent soil shouldn’t be too wet for long periods, or it will encourage a gnat population. Keep that soil as dry as possible, and you should see improvements before long!
Just a heads up, if you suspect you've got pests, you might want to check out the 'Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems' wiki to identify what you're dealing with. It's crucial to know if you have a severe infestation or just a minor problem. Also, removing decaying organic material can help minimize gnat breeding grounds in your pots.
You might want to try mixing your current soil with more grit, like perlite or crushed pumice. The common recommendation is a 1:1 ratio of your potting soil and the gritty material. This should help improve drainage and cut down on the moisture that gnats thrive in. Check out the Soil and Potting wiki for more details on proper mixing!
Definitely take a look at that wiki; it has a lot of solid tips for soil mixtures and potting that could help you get your plants back in shape!