Hi forum,

I have attached a picture of some black bugs that keep appearing on the bottom of my bonsai pot. I would assume they are also in the soil.

This years growth has been a little less strong, though I didnt winter my tree that well the winter just gone. I'm trying to rule out reasons thentree may not be growing as strongly as it could.

As always, advice appreciated!

Hard to tell from the photos. But could very well be soil mites. In that case no issue for the tree but a sign that the soil is heavy on organics and kept too wet. Which may be an issue for the tree. Get watering right and the tree will get healthy and the bugs will dissapear. If it is soil mites that is.

Heavy on organics, is that something that can be changed in terms of fertilisation etc, or just about the soil mix in general?

And regarding watering, is this a standard over watering issue?

Thanks for the help

Heavy on organics, I mean the soil, not fertilizer.

Its not a common overwatering issue. But soil mites likes wet decaying organics. The roots of the tree may be part of that as well if it is really bad.

But we havent seen the tree and we cannot say for sure it is soil mites. We havent even seen the soil so it is just guesses based on experience.

Some pictures of the tree and soil,Let me know any thoughts.Regarding it being high in organics, maybe a good idea to change the potting mix, or are the mites "ok" if they arent affecting the roots?

Tree looks healthy. While it may make sence to change the substrate, don't rush away and do it emedantly. Do it at the right time of the year. Late winter to early spring.

If it is soil mites they don't eat healthy roots. Just dead and decaying roots.