Fungus Gnats on Money Tree (Pachira): Dry-Out Eradication Method

The Cause: Constantly Moist Soil

Fungus gnats (often mistaken for fruit flies) breed in wet soil. Their larvae feed on fungus and roots. Your office money tree is overwatered.

Building-Wide Protocol (Essential)

Gnats fly between plants. Everyone with plants must participate:

1. Let soil dry completely (bone dry).
2. Water thoroughly once.
3. Let dry completely again.
4. Water thoroughly again.
5. Then resume normal "dry before watering" schedule.
6. If gnats persist after 2 cycles, repeat full dry-out until gone.

Why This Works

• Gnat life cycle: egg → larva → pupa → adult (≈ 3–4 weeks).
• Adults lay eggs only in moist soil.
• Complete dry-out kills larvae and prevents egg-laying.
• Short adult lifespan (7–10 days) means population crashes fast.

Plant-Specific Care

• Money tree: water when top 2–3 inches dry. Deep soak, drain saucer.
• Use well-draining mix (add perlite).
• Yellow sticky traps at plant level catch adults (monitoring).
• Top-dress with 1/2 inch sand/grit (deters egg-laying).

Monitoring

If plant wilts when bone dry, water immediately. Otherwise, extend dry period. Consistency across all plants is the only way to clear a shared-space infestation.

Coordinate with facilities/colleagues. A building-wide dry-out week solves it for everyone.