Tiny White Pest! - Orchid Board

Helen · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 05:50 PM

I noticed that there was a bit of 'movement' in the bark of my 4 new phal seedlings....Taking a close look with a magnifying glass, I say tiny white bugs literally running all over the place....I sprayed with Neem Oil last night, but today they are still running around....
Q#1 ...what might they be?
Q#2...I thought neem oil got rid of most anything?

Please help! any suggestions are appreciated!

Gin · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:00 PM

They are probably from the bark , repotting the plants to fresh is probably the best way to be rid of them . Gin

Helen · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:01 PM

I just repotted them in mid March...so I should repot again? even though the bark hasn't started to deteriorate?

Helen · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:08 PM

Just a thought, what if I repot them, and then sterilize the old stuff (which is still new stuff) with something?
Any suggestions? or is this a waste of time? I'd like to recycle it if I can because bark is so expensive to buy here.
Thanks!

Ross · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:49 PM

could be lotsa things. No - don't jump to conclusions yet. Let us think this through! Or discuss it through!

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen

Just a thought, what if I repot them, and then sterilize the old stuff (which is still new stuff) with something?
Any suggestions? or is this a waste of time? I'd like to recycle it if I can because bark is so expensive to buy here.
Thanks!

Helen, whatever you decide...never recycle your potting medium unless it's one of the aliflor-type materials.

quiltergal · #7 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 06:59 PM

If you're seeing them in the bark spraying with Neem will only get the ones on the surface, not the ones deep inside the pot. I agree, never recycle potting medium unless it's LECA and you boil it. You're just asking for problems. I'd also isolate that plant so the critters don't "migrate" to your other plants.

Dorothy · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 07:01 PM

If those things aren't on your plant and only on the bark, they are bark decomposers ( don't know the scientific name). I have had them on chids I bought and changed the medium and wah-laaa, no more little buggers!

Yes definitely use clean medium .. never repot in the old stuff!
If you reuse the pot, clean it out well -
you can even use a little bleach and let it dry in the sun for a bit.

Ross · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen

Just a thought, what if I repot them, and then sterilize the old stuff (which is still new stuff) with something?
Any suggestions? or is this a waste of time? I'd like to recycle it if I can because bark is so expensive to buy here.
Thanks!

You did know that the bark only serves as a rooting medium? So you can use anything from old marbles to gravel or charcoal chunks to bark from local trees? There isn't anything mystical about purchased bark chunks?

Helen · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 10:43 PM

Okay, I definitely won't recycle the 2 month old stuff!
You guys have convinced me....
Dorothy, no they are only in the bark, not on the leaves, but they climb all over the roots and yes, the Neem probably only hit those on the top and not lower down...little buggxxxxs...!! Luckily they are separate from my other orchids, but are next to my African Violets. I doubt these little creatures will bother the AVs??
Thanks to everyone for your help...you all must know by now that I really truly appreciate and value your opinions.
Gee what if they came with the new bark mix I bought! Maybe I should take the magnifier to my other orchids too...the way this is going, I won't be sleeping much tonight!
Ross: yes, I am aware that any medium can be used to just hold the plant in place....but why is it that so many people like to use bark? it breaks down easily and obviously attracts little tiny bothersome pests...I guess it holds moisture better than marbles would...