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Lingzhi mushroom · Ganoderma lingzhi

Why are there tiny flies around my Lingzhi mushroom?

Those tiny flies are likely fungus gnats attracted to the damp substrate. They can damage your developing mushroom primordia, so it is best to act quickly.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look for tiny flies near the substrate.
  2. Check if the substrate is constantly soaking wet.
  3. Place a yellow sticky trap nearby.

Likely causes

  1. Fungus gnats

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small black flies hovering near the substrate or crawling on the surface. They lay eggs that hatch into larvae which eat the mycelium.

    What to do: Place yellow sticky traps near the base of the mushroom to catch the adults. You can also cover the top of the substrate with a thin layer of sand to prevent them from laying more eggs.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The substrate stays soggy and never dries out slightly on the surface. This creates the perfect breeding ground for pests.

    What to do: Reduce your watering frequency slightly. Allow the very top layer of the substrate to feel just barely dry before misting again.

Find out what's wrong with your lingzhi mushroom

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few flies are a nuisance, but a large swarm can destroy the mushroom block. Take action as soon as you see the first fly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your mushroom clean and avoid keeping the substrate surface waterlogged. Use fine mesh screens if you grow in an open area.

Keep your lingzhi mushroom healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will these flies hurt me?
No, fungus gnats are harmless to humans. They are just annoying and bad for your mushroom crop.
Can I use bug spray?
Never use chemical bug sprays on your mushrooms. They will absorb the toxins and become unsafe to consume.

More problems with Lingzhi mushroom

Back to the Lingzhi mushroom guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.