pepper like bugs on robert's delight

[april]

I have just noticed what looks like moving black pepper on my Robert's Delight. They are only on the roots (free flowing) This particular vanda has old algae (I bought it last weekend from a greenhouse environment) on the roots. I have tried with magnifying glasses to identify the bugs but they are sooooo small that I cannot see anything but a teeny, tiny round black beetle like bug that moves around the root system. Does anyone have any ideas as to what these are and whether or not my vanda is in danger? I hate to use anything if I don't have to. She is in full (and I mean FULL) bloom!

[dgenovese1]

Hi April,
I've heard mention of these little critters before (sorry, I don't know their name), and I believe they are attracted to old wood on the vanda basket, if I'm not mistaken. If your vanda is in a wooden basket, these may be what you're seeing

You mentioned that the roots had some algae on them, so this tells me that the plant has been in a wet environment...the vanda loves this by the way. On the other hand, wooden baskets on vandas do break down in these conditions, and sometimes bugs will get into the rotting wood slats. If you've got other mounted plants of other plants in wood baskets, these (the mounts and baskets) can also be in danger of getting infested by your little visitors. If I saw them in my plants, I'd be sure to get rid of them, although I don't know what to recommend for you.

[Brookpoint]

Originally Posted by april

I have just noticed what looks like moving black pepper on my Robert's Delight. They are only on the roots (free flowing) This particular vanda has old algae (I bought it last weekend from a greenhouse environment) on the roots. I have tried with magnifying glasses to identify the bugs but they are sooooo small that I cannot see anything but a teeny, tiny round black beetle like bug that moves around the root system. Does anyone have any ideas as to what these are and whether or not my vanda is in danger? I hate to use anything if I don't have to. She is in full (and I mean FULL) bloom!

hi April, just found this post. I also live in Sarasota and am anxious to no other orchid addicts. Email me if you are interested in getting to know each other. thanks Betty