Phal media pest or friend?

[Zarianna]

I have seen these in one of my Phals media. They seem to be photophobic and I generally only see them after watering/repotting. Have never seen them outside of potting media.

[Dimples]

Those look like springtails. They can indicate that the mix is breaking down or broken down, but they can also be present in new/newer mixes if other conditions are suitable. They pop up from time to time in the potting mix of my non-orchid houseplants and I don't worry about them. They're quite fun to watch.

I had to treat everything with a couple of rounds of imidacloprid drenches to treat mealybugs this past fall and it wiped out the springtails. It was expected, but I'm bummed that they're gone.

[Zarianna]

That’s what I assumed them to be, never saw any real damage to anything. After receiving a M. Pelota with mealy bugs though, I have been a bit on edge. The M. Petola didn’t survive sadly.

Thanks for helping me rest easy.

[estación seca]

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