Unknown little insect in new orchids...

[musicloveranthony]

Thanks for all the help! I ended up keeping the plants...The Prime Child has 2 growths in low bud...I can't send that back!

Doc G, thanks for the advice I've decided I'll bring them to Orchids Limited (orchidweb.com) since it's only about a mile away! I think you might be right, that it's just a random moisture loving insect that found its way into my plant medium

[Singingirl96]

I've had what you are describing before on a few of my phals and my cym. They look like white lice running around. They disappear and when you water the plant they come up to the surface right.
They eat decomposing matter and it hasn't harmed any of my plants. I repoted and desinfected the pot before repoting. They went away. everyonce in a while I see them, and they're usually a sign that it is time to repot.

good luck.

[Ray]

They are likely psocids, or wood lice. Of no consequence to the plant, but a definite indicator of media "gone south".

[supersheep]

I've just spotted these on my new orchid. I would repot, but at the moment, it's got 5 buds and 6 lovely flowers!

The roots look green enough in the pot - do you think it would be ok to wait until it's finished flowering to repot?

Would letting the medium dry out, or using chemicals to get rid of them, harm the flowers?

[Leafmite]

No need to return them.
Poison route: If you grow in the home, I would wait until you have warmer weather or spray in a bag so you don't breathe the fumes. Rose systemic (I prefer the granular for indoor plants but if the medium isn't fine, it will wash out) or malathion will kill them (Sevin for fruit trees will definitely kill...everything). When you spray, follow the directions as these insecticides are constantly being discovered to have more affects on humans and pets. We use insecticides on our roses and fruit trees with great care for this reason.
Non-poison route: Another solution is to fill up the laundry tub and soak the entire plant for a few hours in water to drown the critters, potted or unpotted. I have done this and it is quite effective.
Good luck!