little black flies all over top of soil

Question

My elephant foot palm has been in storage at a friend’s place for a couple of months while relocating. I think it’s been “over-loved” w/water and has scads of little black flies all over the top of the soil – much like fruit flies. How do I remedy? Also, it is in a bark mulch type soil which should be changed to 1/2 potting soil and sand or cactus soil.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have fungus gnats. Here is an article that will give you more information on these pests and how to deal with them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm