What Are These Things!?!?!?!?! - Orchid Board

Karma2383 · #1 03-27-2008, 02:44 AM

Hello, I have had a phalaenopsis orchid for over a year now, and have repotted it as recently as 6-9 months ago. I recently noticed VERY small white bugs on the roots that scurry around upon watering. Though i initially suspected they were harmless springtails, upon taking a digital photo and looking closely, I see no forked tail, and they do not jump. I considered repotting but it now has a shoot and I have NEVER gotten it to bloom since buying it! As I understand it, repotting it will be stressful for it, and it may sacrifice the beginning of the stalk that is sprouting. They do not seem to be damaging the plant at this point, but it's obviously rather unpleasant to have lots of small bugs running all over the bark unless they are helping it in some way. I have attached a few photos in which I have attempted to capture them, but they won't stop crawling and are so small that there are the best I was able to capture. PLEASE help me get rid of them without losing my sprout!!!

-Chris

kiki-do · #2 03-27-2008, 07:11 AM

Hi Chris, I don't know what that is, but if it were me, I would not want to take a chance that they will spread to other plants. You make it sound like they are many. I would repot with fresh medium immediately. I have repotted with spiked phals before and it just slows it down maybe a week or so, but doesn't hurt it from blooming. Plus I would want to see the roots to make sure the critters are doing damage underneath. That's just my thoughts. Anyway, this will bump it up to the top again and others can give you some tips. Good luck!

Pippin · #3 03-27-2008, 10:13 AM

I'd go for a drench. Sevin, Malathion, Orthene should do it.

Gin · #4 03-27-2008, 10:27 AM

Actually I would do both repot and use a drench to get rid of any eggs ect. on the roots .. Gin

Dorothy · #5 03-27-2008, 10:42 AM

I would repot before using any insecticide. They look like decomposing bugs that eat the decaying bark .. and will be rid of them once you get your Phal into new medium. Soak the new medium in water overnight ( you can add a little rooting hormone to the water) then repot.
Phals are quite hardy and will bounce back quickly .. don't be surprised if it sulks a bit ..
My

moogiemama · #6 03-27-2008, 10:45 AM

I also agree; maybe un-pot and discard all the old medium, then drench to be sure you got them all. I think I'd buy all new medium and throw away whatever you used when you originally re-potted as that may have been the source of the bugs in the first place. Better to lose the flower than the entire plant!

Tindomul · #7 03-27-2008, 10:55 AM

Wood Lice???

Karma2383 · #8 03-27-2008, 11:54 PM

Thank you all so much for your advice! I now have newly purchased woodchips soaking in water + rooting hormone, and tomorrow I shall dispose of the bug-infested woodchips, wash the pot with mild bleach and hope I see no more bugs upon repotting! Actually, while I'm bothering you guys, any suggestions on how often to add phosphorus (Better-Gro's "Orchid Bloom Booster)?? It is rather ambiguous on the package.... Thanks again!!!

Dorothy · #9 03-28-2008, 07:33 AM

I use half strength from the instructions on the container and fertilizer once to two times a week (depending on the orchid) now that my orchids are growing and it's springtime .. I also give the plants a good flushing of plain water once a month.

Ray · #10 03-28-2008, 09:00 AM

I think Tindo hit it. They look like psocids - wood lice - which will do nothing to the plants, but do live off of decomposition products.

Repot, cleaning the old medium off as cleanly as possible, then drench with any broad-spectrum insecticide.