Question
Hello,
I have a number of houseplants outside for the summer. Yesterday while watering I knocked over a spider plant cutting that I had planted a few months ago.  To my suprise instead of just soil and the plant, a bunch of what looked like leaves wrapped like a cigar rolled out.  I opened one and there was a yellowish/orange substance in it.  Another had what looked like a small white worm.  Can you tell me what they are and how they got into my plant?  It was very strange because the leaves were similar to tree leaves wrapped up, still green and full of life.

Thank  you!

Answer
These are caterpillars, hatched from eggs laid by moths that active only after dark. The caterpillar is known as a "Leafroller". There are different varieties. They have a similar habit of rolling in leaves, and eating them. Usually tree leaves. But they will eat your plants as well. So you need to get the problem under control right away. First, get rid of all of the rolled leaves you find. See if you can pick and destroy any of the bugs at night with a flashlight. and last, spray with an insecticidal OIL. The oil clogs their breathing and kills them. Read the label for instructions. If you can find the moth, it might be a good idea to eliminate the problem there as well, or it may continue.