Nematodes?

[Filb]

As I was watering some of my orchids yesterday, I noticed there was something white and wriggling in the water afterwards.
I water all of my orchids by soaking them in plastic containers.
(Before I get chastised for doing this, I water quarantined orchids or any new orchids in their own containers).

Anyway, so I noticed the wriggling guy, it was about 1/8" long. Then I noticed a bunch of smaller wriggling things in the same container. They were especially noticeable because the container was black. My best guess was that they were nematodes.

Now I know they're not all bad, but how does one go about distinguishing that? Should this be something I ought to be treating?

I haven't noticed any leaf issues. They are in the original pots and media that they came in. I am loathe to repot them unless I have to because they're not currently growing.

Anyone have any experience or suggestions?

[gabi_borza]

My only guess right now is that they are fungus gnat larvae. Have you seen little flies around your orchids?

[11Orchid126]

Research springtails. You don't see them until you water, and then they're jumping all over the place. They go for deteriorating medium. Safer soap or dish liquid in water several times a few days apart should do the trick, then when you don't see them any more for a spell, repot with fresh medium.

[Filb]

Originally Posted by gabi_borza

My only guess right now is that they are fungus gnat larvae. Have you seen little flies around your orchids?

This seems pretty probable.
They're two plants that like to be kept pretty wet and support a decent population of fungus gnats.

Whew, false alarm I think.