Bug Problem?

[chrono]

Hello all!

Since I last posted questions about my Harlequin phal, I have a new leaf that is over 6 inches long (a total of 4 large green and firm leaves), the 3 new roots are about 3 inches long and 2 new tiny ones peeking through, and a new flower spike that is about 2 inches long.

Nothing to complain about right? Well, after the usual weekly watering (soaking method) this weekend, I noticed some super tiny white bugs walking around potting medium. I have it in a charcoal/bark mixture that is about a year old. This is my only orchid and plant in the house and it is 100% indoors with no previous observed insects. I have on rare occasions opened the bathroom window to air the house. My phal sits by the bathroom window.

Should I be concerned? There appears to be no damage to the plant or flowers (yet). What do I do (or not do)?

[theovercollector]

It sounds like a common mite that is found in potting mediums, however, if the bugs move to parts of the plant, then I would investigate a little further.. Good luck!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Or it could be fungus gnat larvae. Mosquito dunks put into the water you are going to use for watering will take care of them I understand. Need to get some of these myself to see how well they work. The dunk contains microscopic organisms that kill the larvae.

[chrono]

What is a "mosquito dunk"? I've never heard of them.

I took another look today and couldn't see any bugs. It seems that I can only find them after watering my orchid using the soak method. Do you think I can soak the bugs to death? Are these bugs harmful to my phal?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

A Mosquito Dunk is something to buy at a home center, and it is used to put into any standing water to prevent mosquitos from growing in the water. Can't say more since I haven't used it yet.

These guys, if they are fungus gnats, live off of any fungus growing in your mix, which is generally in abumdance when the mix starts to break down. They may not hurt the roots unless they grow to numbers where there is not enough fungus to go round, then they might start to eat roots. Don't think soaking is going to be as good as using the dunk every month or two. I think it can be reused as I think it does not dissolve that fast.

Maybe someone can buy one of these things and report on the use.

[mindy1]

You could try neem oil. That might help get rid of the bugs.

[Ellen]

If the problem is fungus gnats, the best solution would be to repot the plant and dispose of the old medium. You might want to wait until after your phal finishes blooming to repot. In the meantime, you could try what Cynthia suggests - the mosquito dunk. However, depending on where you live, the stores may consider this a "seasonal" item and not stock it in the winter, so it may be hard to find.