Springtails
Tiny jumping specks that feed on mold and decay in damp potting soil; a sign of wet soil, not a pest.
What you'll see
- Tiny white, gray or black specks, about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, that jump when the soil is watered or disturbed.
- Groups on the soil surface, in the saucer or floating when you water.
- No harm to the leaves; in very large numbers they may nibble seedlings.
Why it happens
Springtails live in moist soil and feed on fungi, mold, algae and decaying plant matter. Large numbers mean the mix stays wet or is rich in organic matter.
What to do
- No spray is needed: let the top of the mix dry out between waterings, and empty the saucers.
- Remove dead leaves and moldy debris from the pot surface.
- Repot into fresh, fast-draining mix if the old mix stays soggy.
Keep it from coming back
- Water only when the plant needs it, in pots with drainage holes.
- Avoid unfinished compost and thick organic mulch in indoor pots.
Sources
- UC IPM: Springtails
- University of Maryland Extension: Springtails
- Clemson HGIC: Springtails (Collembola) in South Carolina: identification and management
General guidance, not a diagnosis. For valuable, edible or outdoor crops, check with a local extension service or plant expert. Use any product exactly as its label says, and keep children and pets away while it dries.