Tiny white lice or flightless white flies in hydroton!

[Phal grower]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

I have all my orchids and a few other plants in S/H, and although they are growing really well, I have found that there are tiny white bugs crawling in the hydroton balls. I have sprayed using Safer Soap at each flushing, (2x's a wk.) but I still see them. These plants are on a heat mat, with a small fan above for air circulation, under LED lights, with a humidifier keeping the level around 65%. I'm not sure these bugs are even harmful, as my orchids and African violets are all doing awsome.....

How do you like growing your african violets in S/H? I tried once and they didn't do so hot.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Phal grower

How do you like growing your african violets in S/H? I tried once and they didn't do so hot.

My african violets just love it! I have two in drilled glass jars on the heat mat with the orchids. Their leaves are a deep healthy green, I can watch roots growing and the flowers are non stop. Even the leaf size is larger. It took them no time at all to acclaimate to the S/H. I was suprised. I think it's the heat mat that really helps.

[dafunk5446]

I concur with the previous statements that they are most likely springtails. I have dart frogs and culture them as a food source. The conditions used to culture them is almost the exact same as a s/h set up. An easy way to tell besides the springing action is to pour some water out. If they float on the surface then you can almost be sure they are springtails. Like others said they are detrivores and very unlikely to prove problematic. Check any tropical plant you have and I am positive you will find some in the soil. They are often added to vivariums to provide janitor services and to help create a balanced ecosystem. In fact I would see them as being a positive addition to the media as they eat all the bad stuff you wouldnt want in the media. I feed my cultures yeast (fungus) ONLY, which as we know is not something you want growing in and around roots.

I am considering doing a few plants in s/h and will, now that I think of it, be ADDING them to the mix.

[greenpassion]

Just to sort of follow up, I am beginning to think that it may be true that the plants are not affected by these little bugs, ucky as they are. My plants are all still doing well.

[Ray]

The reason the Safer's Soap is ineffective is because you must thoroughly spray the bug for it to have any effect.

Spraying the medium only clogs the medium, as the bugs run and hide.

[greenpassion]

Thanks Ray. Good to know. As the bugs may not be harming the orchids, I'll probably leave well enough alone.

[RJSquirrel]

Im sorry I aint having any kind of bugs in or on my plants harmless or not. if theres a bug in there hes dead squished hosed down flushed crushed and then I check to see if he has any friends cus I had so much fun