Mites on phalaenopsis roots?

[BrassCat]

Hello OB! Noticed these mites on the roots of some of my phalaenopsis today. The phals are in bark and are in cache pots. They are definitely bugs of some kind because I can see movement but I don’t see any mites below leaves /none rub off leaves with a paper towel. Are these spider mites? Please help! Thank you!

[Ray]

Nope. More likely psocids that are of little concern.

They live on decomposing organic matter,so it might mean the potting medium is going south, or the last stuff it was in was…

[Roberta]

If you plan on repotting (and Ray's assessment of the bugs suggests that's a good idea) you can gently cut the slits of the pot to enlarge them so that you can pull the roots through without damaging them. (Those are BEAUTIFUL roots!) Destroying a plastic pot is always preferable to destroying roots.

[BrassCat]

Thank you both for your feedback! I’m so glad it’s not spider mites. The bark is fairly fresh—I repotted about 3-4 months ago—and it is good quality, I’m not having this issue with my other orchids. Should I be worried it’s just an issue in this phal and the one next to it? Thank you!

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Can you take a look under the microscope? You can get one on Amazon for less than $20.

I've had mites on my Phal roots of the genus Tyrophagus, they are ubiquitous found in soils, house dust, etc. I sent a sample to a college professor for identification.

They are harmless, and they eat on decomposing matter sometimes microscopic. I've found them on older roots that were still healthy and alive (even branching), but they would collect on the oldest part of the root. My suspicion is that they might be able to feed on the decomposing external layers of the root, assuming that decomposition might be a slow process that starts on the outside of the root and not from the inside out. They might also be able to feed on decomposing organic matter found on top of the roots, even dandruff can end up on top of your plant and decompose. We're constantly shedding organic matter that these microorganisms feed on. Two types feed on plants but not the ones I had identified.

Being so black, they might also be springtails which are harmless to plants. What I don't think they are at all is spider mites. So I wouldn't worry but maybe it's time for a repot if your media is decomposing.