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Chigger Infestation in Orchid Mix: SummerWinds UniGro Mix Warning for Palo Alto Buyers

Question:

Local issue: bought Wonder Bark (small) and UniGro Orchid Mix from SummerWinds Palo Alto. Opened Sunday, repotted indoor orchid. Monday: 100+ bites. Chiggers—found on kitchen faucet near repotted orchid (bay window). Magnifying glass needed—tiny. Husband got bites Wednesday (did dishes Tuesday). Source: bark or mix (mixed both). Guessing mix—damper for chigger breeding. Never heard of this. If sterilized properly, eggs laid post-sterilization?

Answer:

Hello Katherine,

Thanks for heads up! Chiggers likely in UniGro Orchid Mix, not bark. Never used UniGro—won't now! I use Sequoia Bark sizes + large perlite. Also tried coco chips—pleased, lasts 2× bark, pricier.

Nice husband doing dishes! (grin)

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA

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