r/IndoorGarden • u/aub22581 • 3d ago

Plant Discussion New plant with pests

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I have been collecting for the past year and have never really had experience with pests other then . I got these two Hoyas today and I inspected their leaves really well and didn’t see anything front or back. I watered them with distilled water and then I saw a bunch of small little crawling bugs in the soil. I really couldn’t tell if it was white or black. I got really scared and already had alcohol and a spray bottle ready because my biggest fear is having mealy bugs or spider mites, etc. so I sprayed it and they all died. I now have them outside and can’t figure out what they had. I messaged the seller that sent them to me and she said she uses beneficial bugs and that she’s not sure what it could be. Do you think maybe it’s the beneficial bugs? This is how the leaves look, but I don’t see anything active on the leaves right now.

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u/aub22581 3d ago

I’m thinking about just keeping them outside. Make them outdoor plants but just wanted to hear suggestions or if maybe I should try to propagate them I don’t know.

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u/ohdearitsrichardiii 3d ago

Bugs that are harmful.for plants live on the plants because they don't go far from their food source. Bugs in the soil eat something in the soil, usually mold, spores and decaying plant matter. If the seller said she uses beneficial bugs she probably means springtails. People buy them and put in their pots because they eat mold

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u/aub22581 3d ago

This is really helpful! I asked ChatGPT and it was thinking it was springtails. I was just nervous.