String of Pearls with Fungus Gnats? Rare but Treatable
Senecio rowleyanus
Fungus gnats are small, gray-to-black mosquito-like insects (1/8 to 1/10 inches long) commonly found in indoor plants. Adult gnats are mostly a nuisance, but their larvae feed on plant roots and organic matter in soil, potentially causing serious damage to young or vulnerable plants. The larvae are translucent white with distinctive black heads and can leave slime trails on the soil surface in heavy infestations.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Small dark flying insects resembling mosquitoes hovering around plants
- âĒ Translucent white larvae (5mm) with black heads visible in soil
- âĒ Slime trails on soil surface in severe infestations
- âĒ Yellowing leaves without obvious cause
- âĒ Stunted or slow growth
- âĒ Wilting despite adequate watering
- âĒ Root damage visible when plant is unpotted
- âĒ Seedlings or cuttings failing to thrive
â Possible Causes
- â Overwatering creating persistently moist soil conditions
- â Organic-rich potting mixes that retain excessive moisture
- â Poor drainage in containers
- â Presence of decaying organic matter in soil
- â Bringing infested plants indoors
- â Using contaminated potting soil
- â High humidity combined with wet soil
- â Lack of air circulation around plants
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Step 1
Remove top 1-2 inches of infested soil and replace with fresh sterile potting mix
Step 2
Apply hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% peroxide to 4 parts water) as soil drench
Step 3
Set up multiple yellow sticky traps around affected plants immediately
Step 4
Stop watering for 3-5 days to kill larvae and eggs
Step 5
Apply BTi mosquito dunk solution for immediate larvae control
Organic Treatment
Step 1
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to disrupt larvae lifecycle
Step 2
Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth (1/4 inch layer) on soil surface
Step 3
Water plants with BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) solution using mosquito dunks
Step 4
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on topsoil as natural fungicide
Step 5
Place yellow sticky traps near plants to capture adult gnats
Step 6
Introduce beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) to soil for larvae control
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Allow soil to dry to 1-2 inches depth between waterings
- â Use well-draining potting mixes
- â Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes
- â Inspect new plants thoroughly before bringing them home
- â Remove dead leaves and plant debris from soil surface
- â Avoid overwatering, especially in winter months
- â Cover soil surface with sand or gravel to deter egg-laying
- â Quarantine new plants for 2-3 weeks before placing near others
- â Improve air circulation around plants
ðą Care Guide: String of Pearls
ð§ How to Water
Use the soak and dry method - water thoroughly when soil is completely dry, then wait until it dries out again. Water weekly in spring/summer, every 2-3 weeks in winter. Overwatering causes root rot.
âïļ Lighting
Provide bright indirect light. South or west-facing windows are ideal. Avoid harsh midday direct sun which can scorch the beads. Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use well-draining cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or coarse sand. A 1:1 ratio of cactus mix and perlite works well. Choose shallow pots with drainage holes - clay pots are preferred.