Question
I have eight phalaenopsis orchids and i have noticed black dots that look and feel like poppy seeds on the sides of the pot and a few on the leaves.  There also seems to be small bugs that are flying around as well (from the openings of in the pots).  I have looked on numerous sites for information but cannot find any answers.  The leaves and flowers are not affected at all (no wilting, discoloring or actual spots within the leaves/flowers).  I have not noticed any rotting in the roots either.  Most of my plants are at the end of a flowering stage but appear to have new growth beginning.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Alexa, it sounds like your potting mix has degraded and your plants are in need of repotting using fresh orchid potting mix. The "black dots" are likely fungal spores and the small flies are fungus gnats-- both thrive in moist, decayed material.  As such, they will not damage your plant, but, the conditions that they thrive in could lead to root rot. I suggest you repot your plant in fresh fir-bark based orchid potting mix using a fresh pot with lots of drainage holes.  Orchids like to be potted in a potting mix that freely allows air and water to drain through.  During repotting, check the roots and eliminate any roots that are "mushy" as they are dead.   Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet. Some orchid potting mixes are dry when purchased and often contain fine dustlike particles. Once you have the new potting mix, sift out the finer particles and soak the remaining mix before use to lessen the water repellant properties of the fir bark.