Bugs in s/h - Orchid Board

Buds! · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 01:51 AM

Hi everyone,
I have been growing my phals in s/h for nearly one year, it has been great so far.
However, in the last few months (summer) I have found some tiny white bugs on the LECA when I fill up the pot to flush.
The phals seem to be OK, but I am a bit worried becuase I have lost two to three phals. I don't know if the loss due to the bugs or from my holiday or repotting to a larger container?

The bugs are tiny (approx. 1mm), it seems to be similar to this thread:
white bugs?
They look like groups of white dust- too small to photograph.

My question is, are there any insecticides I can use with s/h to kill these critters?

Thanks!
Buds!

Ray · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 11:35 AM

I would think any over-the-counter brand would be OK to use as a drench. Personally, I prefer Ortho products that contain acephate (Orthene) or Bayer ones with imidicloprid (Merit).

Dorothy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 12:53 PM

The only bugs I have ever had in my S/H pots of my Phrags were spring-tails and that was when I first received them .. I just flushed them out enough times and I no longer have them ...

Tindomul · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 06:17 PM

Springtails do nothing to your plants. If anything they keep fungus at bay. They eat rotting material and therefore help your plant. I strongly suspect that you have springtails. If they are springtails, don't kill them as they are actually beneficial.

Buds! · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorothy

The only bugs I have ever had in my S/H pots of my Phrags were spring-tails and that was when I first received them .. I just flushed them out enough times and I no longer have them ...

I think these white bugs are spring-tails.

Thanks Dorothy!

Dorothy · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 07:47 PM

Anytime

Buds! · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Springtails do nothing to your plants. If anything they keep fungus at bay. They eat rotting material and therefore help your plant. I strongly suspect that you have springtails. If they are springtails, don't kill them as they are actually beneficial.

What a bonus to have 'good' bugs for a change!
Thanks Tin, I can stop worrying now!

Buds! · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I would think any over-the-counter brand would be OK to use as a drench. Personally, I prefer Ortho products that contain acephate (Orthene) or Bayer ones with imidicloprid (Merit).

Hi Ray,
You are always such a great help!
I think Dorothy and Tin have made the right diagnosis -springtails.
I will do nothing for the moment, but I will put your suggestions in my 'orchid book of arsenals'- for any other future bugs
Thanks again!

Tindomul · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 08:53 PM

Yay, I feel like I just saved a whole bunch of little lives. Kidding aside, all my Semi-Hydro pots have springtails. Usually when they appear, its about the same time that the plant has become "established" in the new media. I generally see them as a good thing. I also love seeing them in my terrariums as they are a sign of a healthy terrarium. And the small sized frogs I keep love to eat them.