Ugo
Shohin
Hi everyone!
Question about springtails.
I know the subject has already been debated but I would like to know your opinion in this case.
I have a ficus.
Where I live in zone 5b this tree sit outside during summer, Mid June to late Sept approx. but live inside a grow tent the rest of the year.
During summer this tree is under full sun from morning to 5pm, partial shade from there to 7pm.
It is simply thriving in this conditions but it use alot of water.
I always want to come back asap from work to water this specific tree even if I water it preventively in the morning.
I should have know better but I decided to grow moss on the surface of the soil.
The moss is beautifull, and helps keeping moisture in the soil under full sun.
The moss came with Springtails.
Never noticed them before the colony has few hundred members...
Since the tree sits "mostly" inside I dont want theses little guys to spread inside the house.
The basement is well insulated and "dry" but its still a workshop.
To water I take out the tree from the grow tent and water over a tub.
The whole setup is in my basement so Im Affraid to get an infestation!
This year is also exceptional as I have 2 young maple trees in the tent that just been repotted, protected from full spectrum light by the taller ficus.
I know springtails seems to be seens as benefical especially for a tropical tree, if the tree was outside I would not even bother but Im now thinking about controling their population.
I read that letting the soil dry is effective but with the 2 young acer that been repotted recently I am more nervous.
They are 2yrs old, major repotting was done.
I also read about food grade diatomaceous earth ,correct me if Im wrong but using this product on top of moss is not ideal right?!
Next year I will repot the ficus, no moss this time...
Thanks
Ugo
Question about springtails.
I know the subject has already been debated but I would like to know your opinion in this case.
I have a ficus.
Where I live in zone 5b this tree sit outside during summer, Mid June to late Sept approx. but live inside a grow tent the rest of the year.
During summer this tree is under full sun from morning to 5pm, partial shade from there to 7pm.
It is simply thriving in this conditions but it use alot of water.
I always want to come back asap from work to water this specific tree even if I water it preventively in the morning.
I should have know better but I decided to grow moss on the surface of the soil.
The moss is beautifull, and helps keeping moisture in the soil under full sun.
The moss came with Springtails.
Never noticed them before the colony has few hundred members...
Since the tree sits "mostly" inside I dont want theses little guys to spread inside the house.
The basement is well insulated and "dry" but its still a workshop.
To water I take out the tree from the grow tent and water over a tub.
The whole setup is in my basement so Im Affraid to get an infestation!
This year is also exceptional as I have 2 young maple trees in the tent that just been repotted, protected from full spectrum light by the taller ficus.
I know springtails seems to be seens as benefical especially for a tropical tree, if the tree was outside I would not even bother but Im now thinking about controling their population.
I read that letting the soil dry is effective but with the 2 young acer that been repotted recently I am more nervous.
They are 2yrs old, major repotting was done.
I also read about food grade diatomaceous earth ,correct me if Im wrong but using this product on top of moss is not ideal right?!
Next year I will repot the ficus, no moss this time...
Thanks
Ugo
Last edited:
