Mini bugs on my Sedierea Japonica

[Chippy28]

Hello all! I hope someone might be able to help me out with my pest issue. Within the past few days my orchid has become infested with this miniature bugs and I can't seem to identify them. The adults are about the size of a pin head and they are completely black. They appear to have 2 segments (a head and a body) both of which are round kind of like a beetle. From what I can see, it looks like they have noticeable antenna and six legs. Unfortunately, they are so tiny that I cannot get a good picture to post. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Becca]

Hi Erin! I too have the same bug problem and I haven't been able to figure out what it is either. So far they don't appear to be harming the orchids, they seem to be mainly on the 'chids that have algae growing on them. I hope someone else can answer your question!

[dave b]

They are most likely Globular Springtails. Here is a link with great photos. Globular Springtails - Symphypleona Photo Gallery by Tom Murray at pbase.com. They live down in the pot, eating decomposing bark medias. They can feed lightly on roots, especially dead ones. They really love clay pots over my plastic. They generally arent considered a serious threat to the plant.

[april]

I just noticed teeny, tiny black moving round bugs on the free flowing roots of my Robert's Delight vanda. This particular vanda has algae on its roots. I tried using two magnifying glasses to see what they look like but they are still too small. I live in Sarasota Florida. I hope they are the harmless springtails that you are referring to. If anyone has any other ideas (especially if they could be something harmful!!) PLEASE let me know.

[whygreenberg]

very interesting...i am also currently finding these teeny-tiny shiny black round little beetle-like critters on/in the medium of a couple of my chids. also seems to only be where medium has taken on some real algae growth. it is most likely repotting time for these couple of chids anyway, but i'll be keeping my eye on this thread for further thoughts/info from people.

[Chippy28]

Thanks everyone if the info. They do seem to look like Globular Springtails...though they are so tiny it is hard to be completely sure. It is interesting that they appear in conjunction with algae growth, as I just noticed the growth on my moss a couple weeks ago. Although they don't seem to be bothering my 'chid, should I leave things be or should I repot?

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Chippy28

Thanks everyone if the info. They do seem to look like Globular Springtails...though they are so tiny it is hard to be completely sure. It is interesting that they appear in conjunction with algae growth, as I just noticed the growth on my moss a couple weeks ago. Although they don't seem to be bothering my 'chid, should I leave things be or should I repot?

Repotting can help get rid of them. As can sprays, but its hard when they are down in the pot. Go check your pots after the lights have been out for a while, or look on the bottom of the pots (especially clay) Then youll see them. Ive had them coming back for years. When i put my plants outside in the summer, its pretty much a losing battle.

An easy way to tell what you have, is to get them to jump. Submerse the pot in a bucket of water or sink, and they will float to the top. Let the water still. youll see them jump around. Poke them with a stick or something if they need encouragement. Hours of enjoyment for the whole family. More people have these than realize. Most just dont pay enough attention, or simply cant see that well.

[Chippy28]

Thanks Dave...the bugs you are describing are exactly what is living with my orchids. And yes, I have spent a fair amount of time laughing at these tiny little buggers jumping about. Glad to hear these bugs aren't a serious threat.

[april]

Thanks Dave! You were right. :iagree: I pay way too much attention to my chids. Spoiled brats. Glad to hear they are nothing serious.

[pixieStar]

I have these! I thought they were spidermite babies and have been rinsing, washing and spraying...rinsing, washing and spraying and tearing my hair out! What is the best way to get rid of them? Or are they really that small of a threat that I should try to co-exist with them?

Thanks!