Mystery Worms in Water Trays: Nematodes

Grower has ¼" white worms in water trays of 3 plants (different vendors, 2 in terrarium, 1 on windowsill). Only common factor: distilled water (gallon jugs). First noticed in P. esseriana (100% MVP Turface) with springtail outbreak; one plant died before. Heliamphora minor (dead LFS) and D. scorpioides (peat/perlite) also affected. Mosquito dunks failed; Orthene soak killed worms but killed plants.

Small Worm

Jacob Farin: Likely nematodes (some beneficial, some root-eating—assume harmful). Mosquito dunks don't affect nematodes. Orthene is systemic—spray, don't soak. Standard treatment: unpot, rinse completely, spray systemic insecticide, repot in fresh soil. Delicate plants (D. scorpioides) unlikely to survive—dispose. Isolate treated plants, monitor others.

Good Growing!

Jacob Farin