Phal media pest or friend?
 

I have seen these in one of my Phals media. They seem to be photophobic and I generally only see them after watering/repotting. Have never seen them outside of potting media. Attachment 157342

Attachment 157343

Attachment 157344

Attachment 157345

Those look like springtails. They can indicate that the mix is breaking down or broken down, but they can also be present in new/newer mixes if other conditions are suitable. They pop up from time to time in the potting mix of my non-orchid houseplants and I don't worry about them. They're quite fun to watch.

I had to treat everything with a couple of rounds of imidacloprid drenches to treat mealybugs this past fall and it wiped out the springtails. It was expected, but I'm bummed that they're gone.

That’s what I assumed them to be, never saw any real damage to anything. After receiving a M. Pelota with mealy bugs though, I have been a bit on edge. The M. Petola didn’t survive sadly.

Thanks for helping me rest easy.

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