The Phal abuse ends here.

[The Orchid Boy]

It'd probably be good to use something like Physan 20 to get rid of those little critters.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by dreamynights

Im starting to think the little white bugs I found on my orchid are some type of mite. They do not look like larvae of any sort and are very small and more oval, while all walking very fast. However I dont really see any webs. Is it okay to leave them alone? I watered recently and they appeared again, so will they all die out again once the moss becomes dry?

Could they be springtails?

I often see these tiny rice shaped beige colored, sometimes black colored, soft bodied, wingless insects crawling really fast in between the potting media of my plants, and these are usually springtails. Springtails feed on detritus, fungus, and/or algae.

[gingersmommy]

I have 17 orchids (phals) in two different rooms. I have both on humidity trays with a small fan in each room. I repotted all of them in March. I fertilize them each watering with Schutt's and Neptune's Garden seaweed extract. The orchids in the one room have all sprouted a new leaf. None of the orchids in the other room have a new leaf. Both rooms are side by side and face south, although somewhat protected by trees. The room where they all have a new leaf is a little brighter than the other room. My question - is it going to happen?

[The Orchid Boy]

I know it'll happen. Just give it time. That's kind of interesting them all doing something and them all not doing something...

[gingersmommy]

It's very weird because honestly, the conditions are almost identical. They probably wish I would leave them alone - I check on them probably twice a day (like something's going to happen that I missed).

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

What's the temperature difference between the 2 rooms?

I've mentioned that a higher spring/summer temperature compared to a lower fall/winter temperature is usually the trigger for the heaviest amount of new growth. This could be a case where this is coming into play, idk.

[gingersmommy]

Thanks, King; I did wonder that, although I think they're about the same. I have to say that we keep our house pretty cold in the winter (64) and also in the summer because I'm always having hot flashes! I thought about getting two small ceramic heaters for near them, but I am afraid of a fire hazard. I put them on the porch in the fall for a couple of weeks when it gets cool at night and that seems to stimulate them to spike. I am still keeping my fingers crossed for new leaves on all of them.

[KellyKhaos]

My eyes are crossing, my head is throbbing from info input, & I'm not entirely sure if the sun is rising or setting, but I've read the thread. Very useful & helpful information, thank you to all. Going forward I will definitely be using tips & tricks from this post.

[Horses&Orchids]

I have a question regarding the best pesticide for those little microscopic white bugs that I've found running around one of my Phals. It has started to yellow on one of it main large leaves. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Those white bugs might be springtails. If they're springtails, they're harmless.

If they're really springtails, your Phal might be in some other kind of distress.

I would check the roots on the plant. Springtails usually means some kind of organic plant material is decomposing pretty quickly.