Fungus Gnats in Dwarf Banana Office Plants: Dry Soil and Fly Paper

Tiny flies hovering over office banana plants are fungus gnats breeding in moist, organic potting mix. They don’t harm plants much but are annoying.

Best Control

1. Let soil dry 1 inch deep between waterings. Bananas tolerate this better than you think.
2. Water from bottom (saucer) to keep surface dry.
3. Yellow sticky traps on soil surface catch adults.

For Newly Divided Pups

Browning edges and slow growth are normal for 4–6 weeks while roots establish. Don’t overwater. Once new leaves emerge, feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Biological Option

Gnatrol (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) targets larvae but isn’t always needed if soil drying works.