Question
I have a prayer plant that I have had for years an have noticed its started dying off. I recently seen very tiny whit bugs crawling in the soil. How can i get rid of them ?An also I have a lot of other plants can I treat them all at one time?

Answer
Hi Tashina,

Your Prayer Plant is not struggling because of the tiny bugs you are seeing in the soil. Most likely, you are keeping the soil too moist which is causing the roots to rot and those are what the tiny insects are feeding on.

You haven't provided any details on how you are caring for your plant, so it is hard for me to be specific in identifying the problem. For example, root rot often occurs when plants are unnecessarily moved into pots that are too large and/or contaminated potting soil is used.

I suggest that you remove all loose soil from the surface of the plant and then allow the top quarter of the soil below to dry in between waterings. This will stop the root rot and starve the bugs.

If you are keeping one plant too moist, then  you may also be doing the same with others. Treat them accordingly.

I have written an article on watering and insect pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com