10/12/2026
I’m a plant lover….and I’ve killed a lot of plants along the way, but I wasn’t ready to give up on this one! 🪴
My mom gave it to me for my birthday, and it was originally a pup from one of my grandmother’s plants, so it’s special.
The problem? Fungus gnats! The soil was staying too wet, creating the perfect breeding ground for these pesky little flies.
Here’s what I tried:
🌱 Fresh soil and a new pot: I repotted it to improve drainage and get rid of the old, overly damp soil. Glazed pots tend to retain moisture, while terra cotta pots are porous, allowing soil to dry out more quickly between waterings.
🌱 Neem oil: I applied neem oil to the roots before repotting, but the gnats kept coming.
🌱 Hydrogen peroxide: I used a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to target the larvae in the soil.
🌱 Sticky traps: These helped catch the adult gnats and reduce their numbers.
Despite all that, the plant continued to decline. Eventually, I cut it all the way back and moved it outside for the summer. Honestly, I thought it was a goner!
But halfway through the summer, I noticed a tiny new leaf. And now look at it! 💚
If you’re dealing with fungus gnats, remember that controlling soil moisture is key. The treatments above are what I personally tried, but neem oil and peroxide can damage sensitive roots, so research what’s appropriate for your plant.
People are a lot like plants, too. Sometimes we need to make a few changes, get some fresh air, and give ourselves a little time to grow back healthier. 💚
