Springtails for Houseplants: Beat Fungus Gnats Naturally
Springtails are a natural way to keep houseplant soil healthy and help control fungus gnats. They eat mould, fungi and decaying matter in the topsoil, competing with fungus gnat larvae for food and helping break the cycle — all without chemicals, and completely harmless to your plants.
Springtails aren’t just for vivariums — they’re a quiet ally for indoor gardeners too. Here’s how they help.
How springtails help houseplants
Springtails live in the top layer of moist soil, grazing on mould, fungi and decomposing organic matter. That does two useful things for houseplants: it keeps the soil surface free of mould, and it removes some of the food and fungal growth that fungus gnat larvae depend on. They’re harmless to plant roots and to the plant itself — they only eat dead and decaying material.
Do springtails get rid of fungus gnats?
They help, but think of them as part of the solution rather than a magic fix. By competing for the fungi and organic matter gnat larvae feed on, a springtail population reduces the conditions gnats thrive in. Combine them with letting the top of the soil dry between waterings (gnats love constantly wet soil) for the best results.
How to add springtails to houseplants
Tip a portion of a springtail culture onto the soil surface of a moist potted plant. They’ll establish in the topsoil and spread to other pots over time if the soil stays damp enough. Keep the soil from drying out completely and they’ll sustain themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — springtails are beneficial. They only eat dead and decaying matter, mould and fungi, never living plant roots. They help keep the soil healthy and the surface mould-free.
They help by competing with fungus gnat larvae for the fungi and organic matter in the soil. For best results, pair them with letting the top of the soil dry out between waterings, which gnats dislike.
No. Springtails need consistently moist conditions, so they stay in damp potting soil and can’t survive on dry surfaces around the house. They’re harmless and won’t infest your home.
Keep your houseplant soil healthy with a springtail culture from Bioactive Bugs UK.