r/ferns • u/Significant_Speed854 • 9d ago

Question Tiny little bugs?

I went away for a week and came back to my beautiful fern looking almost dead.

I cut back the fronds and am seeing some fresh growth but now that I can look closely at the soil I see small small bugs.

Any words of advice or any suggestions? Is this normal?

They are grey, very very small (maybe half mm), and scattered.

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u/dendrophilix 9d ago

Can you try to take a picture of them? Are they just on the soil, or on the plant as well?

There’s a very very broad generalisation that fast-moving insects are ok (pests are more often slow-moving). Can you easily observe them moving?

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u/Significant_Speed854 9d ago

Thanks so much for your answer. They are definitely on the quicker side. Added a pic to the post, it was the best quality I can do with my measly phone.

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u/dendrophilix 9d ago

I think they might be springtails. Google and see if that matches what you’re seeing. If that’s correct, then they’re harmless. They like damp soil - you might need a slightly airier mix?

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u/c-crashlanding 8d ago

I agree, with the size and body shape it reminds me of a springtail. They should be harmless/live on dead matter on the soil in general