Question
After watering my plants one day I noticed several tiny 1/4" brown hard-shell worms come out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. I saw them again the next week as well. What are they and what do I do to get rid of them? These are in a Ponytail Palm in a gal. container.

Answer
Hi Marylou,

They are a type of centipede. Quality nurseries use sterilized soil that is pest free, so their presence does raise some questions about the quality of your plant's provenance.

The critters are harmless and may die off on their own. If you are determined to get rid of them, plunge the pot up to its rim in plain water and leave it for about 45 minutes. The flooding of the soil will drive the critters out in search of oxygen.

I have written an article on Ponytail Palms and another on indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends 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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com