Question
Hello, I have these little tiny egg looking thing in my potting soil, or in the orchids bark. I don't know what it really is but it's spreads like crazy. I say they look like eggs because they look like spider eggs.  They are yellow in color and a lot of them just all into the soil and or bark. I'm afraid it will hurt my plants.  I notice my cactus dies when I found those things in the soil, and the orchid roots will turn black when these things are around the roots. How do I get rid of them and what are they?

Thank you

Answer
Janet, based upon your description alone, I don't know what they are. They could be spider eggs. Do they move? Is there any webbing? Can you send a picture? Try removing your plant from its pot. rinse off the roots thoroughly and try repotting in fresh orchid potting mix in a clean pot. Then put the old potting mix in a bag, tie up the bag and discard it. I'm inclined to think that they will not bother your plant. Rather, especially if your potting mix is on the damp side, they could be a fungus.  Black orchid roots may turn black from a broken down potting mix, in which case, repotting is definitely in order.