Question
I have (what I think is known as) a Clivia: Long dark green leaves with beautiful red (mine is) blossom. I know them as the 'south african' plant. I have got what looks like millioons of tiny minute insects in my Clivia's soil. They don't fly and they hurry about the top of the soil but if you go near them they will all flee below the surface like something out of the Matrix. I have tried drying them out and giving them a good soaking. After ignoring them has not helped, this evening (on some authroity) I planted a clove of garlic. As I planted my garlic I discovered what I assumed was a rice sized red alien pupae which I then burnt and squashed in all my rage. For those interested it exploded yellow goo. The base of the leaves seem to have a kind of light mold. It's white and I devote a small paintbrush to the task of brushing them off. It's really not that damp but it could probably do with some more light. I am waiting till I can pour some slightly soapy water into the soil... I will kill them. However I do not want to kill my plant. I am also rather skint. Can you help?

Answer
Hi Bob,

I am not an entomologist, so I don't have a great deal of knowledge with respect to specific pests.  Does the plant seem to be showing any symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), stunting (no active growth at the tips), or shriveling?  There are many insects that may occupy the soil that do no damage to the plant.  They are more unsightly than damaging.

If you are in a climate where the plant can be moved outdoors, move the plant outdoors to a quite shaded area at first, and slowly acclimate to the higher light conditions to minimize damaging the leaves.  The natural predators will soon control most insect infestations quite effectively.

The soapy water will not harm the plants roots, so you can try that to reduce the insect population.  I suggest that you try to get pictures of these insects and send them to an entomologist online here.  (Sorry, I don't know anyone that is an expert online.)

Also, I want to thank you for introducing me to a new word: skint.  That is a word that I have never heard, so I looked it up in the dictionary and found it.  So, if your use in consistent with the meaning in the dictionary, you would like to be thrifty when treating your plant.  I understand.  

Most plants are quite resilient, so as long as the plant is not showing any symptoms, then you may have to put up with the little pests until you can find an effective treatment.

Good Luck.