Play Sand Under The Plant Pot To Prevent Fungus Gnat Infestation Through Drainage Holes

Question

Hi, I would like to ask if it would be ok to place some sand inside the ceramic pot before I place the plastic pot with the rubber plant container, to prevent and stop the fungus gnats from entering the soil via the drainage holes. I am concerned that this may affect the airflow to the root system. I do have pebbles placed inside the base of the plastic plant container before I placed the potting soil in for planting. I do currently have sand and pebbles on the surface of the soil , but would like to remove these and place diatomaceous earth on the surface instead. I believe I have better control of the gnats since watering with mosquito bits, using yellow fly traps and I had sprayed the drainage holes with fly killer, and found many many flies dead at the base in the ceramic pot and I have seen the flies going down the side of pot. However , as I said , this all now better controlled. But, I just want to place sand under the plastic plane without interfering with the air flow. I thank you for your help in advance. Shaina

Answer 1

You can but it will get a little messy when you need to drain water from the outer pot.

To combat fungas gnats, the best thing to do is keep the soil on the dry side. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm