Tiny white bugs attacking phal roots

[Mothra79]

I have a phal planted in semi-hydroponic. It's juuuust about to bloom again. As I was watering it today, I looked through the clear plastic and saw a cluster of teeny tiny white bugs crawling around what used to be a healthy root. Now, the root is dark and shrunken. What should I do?

[Phalguy]

Hello!

If the plant is well established in semi-hydroponic culture, I don`t see why you couldn`t repot it !
I often repot my phal even if they are growing spike or blooming without any problem.

When you say the root is dark and shrunken ( and use to be an healthy root )
Does the root was healthy in semi-hydroponic or BEFORE you put it in SH ?
If it was before you switch to SH, this is normal since all root not formed to SH will die to make place to root adapted to that new condition.


Claude

[Mothra79]

It was a root that grew while in S&H, so I'm pretty sure it's the bugs that are doing it. Shall I treat the roots with anything while I repot?

[Phalguy]

You could use neem oil on the roots and repot after

Claude