Fruit Flies?

**Original flower** · August 29th, 2008, 04:38 PM

Hi, I just came home after being away for a few days. Before I left, I soaked the Orchids down in the morning.(tuesday) I also had to close the windows and shut off my fan. When I got home just now, I imediately opened the window/checked on the Orchids... when I did there where tiny "fruit flies?" all around them. I know I should be looking this up some where here, but I just don't have time right now. Also going away for the weekend. Are these un wanted visitors, easy to get rid of... or some thing I should worry about?

**Gin** · August 29th, 2008, 05:41 PM

Hi , They are probably fungus knats a common pest, letting things dry out a little helps . What I did was buy some of the bug eating plants from a box store sundew and butterwort . they got rid of them for me .But they do take special treatment rain water or Ro. no fertilizer they catch their own food . Hope this helps .. Gin

**clintdawley** · August 29th, 2008, 06:16 PM

More air circulation and I agree with Gin on the drying out thing.

Fungus gnats are sign of media that is too damp for too long. This damp environment is damaging to orchid roots. The fungus gnats are a problem in themselves, but continued culture like that can lead to heavy root loss.

**Brutal_Dreamer** · August 29th, 2008, 06:32 PM

Gin and Clint nailed it. I would keep the fan on the orchids 24/7 to provide good air movement and help them dry out.

Cheers,
BD

**Original flower** · August 29th, 2008, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Gin

Hi , They are probably fungus knats a common pest, letting things dry out a little helps . What I did was buy some of the bug eating plants from a box store sundew and butterwort . they got rid of them for me .But they do take special treatment rain water or Ro. no fertilizer they catch their own food . Hope this helps .. Gin

Bug eating plants...? Venus fly trap, kind of plant?

**Gin** · August 29th, 2008, 09:50 PM

Here are a couple of pictures of the butterwort with knats they land and can't leave . Gin

**Original flower** · August 29th, 2008, 10:00 PM

Ok, I will keep the fan on the Orchids, they are almost dried out now. Also, about two weeks ago... I got two aloe plants. I watered them after I wrote you today, and a whole bunch of these "flies" flew up out of their dry soil. I am wondering if the "flies" came with them? Thank you!

**Original flower** · August 29th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by Gin

Here are a couple of pictures of the butterwort with knats they land and can't leave . Gin

Yup, those look like the uninvited house guests. So they must get absorbed through the sticky leaf... to feed this plant? huh... I will look for one. Thank you.

**Original flower** · August 29th, 2008, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by clintdawley

More air circulation and I agree with Gin on the drying out thing.

Fungus gnats are sign of media that is too damp for too long. This damp environment is damaging to orchid roots. The fungus gnats are a problem in themselves, but continued culture like that can lead to heavy root loss.

Thinking seriously about the S&H "marbles" after this.

**ang709** · September 4th, 2008, 05:50 PM

I've got some of these pests again, too. I brought them in on a new plant.

Anyway, I have a few questions about the above posts:

1) What about orchids that don't like to dry out completely? Should I let them get drier anyway until the bugs are gone?

2) What about pitcher plants or venus fly traps? So far those are the only carnivorous plants I've found around here. Would they help much?

3) This may be a dumb question, but, Gin, what is Ro? I should probably know if I'm going to be getting a carnivorous plant.

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