Question
Hi! I believe I have some sort of insect's eggs in my houseplant. Well, actually, I'm not sure if they are eggs or if they are some sort of dissolving plant food.

I noticed that the bag of Miracle Grow soil that I bought has these clear yellow-ish round things in it. At first I thought they were spider eggs but looking online at pictures of spider mite eggs, 1. they are not found on any leaves, 2. the round things are different sizes, ranging from 1mm-6mm, and 3. only appear in the plants that I potted with soil from that bag. The bag, I found, does have small holes in it, made from either staples being ripped out or my cats clawing around the bag.

The round things are liquid filled and when popped, there is a white/grey liquid in it. When I was a kid, plant food looked like little solid white styrofoam balls or plain liquid. 20 years later, I don't know if this is some kind of advanced dissolving plant food or an insect's egg, which by the way, I don't have any in the house that I've seen that would/could lay such big eggs. I would appreciate if you could shed your knowledge and expertise on the situation.

Thank you very much!

Answer
Hi Jen,

I am pleased to inform you that those are not spider eggs. They are timed released fertilizer pellets. The pellets absorb water and dissolve a small quantity of nutrients into the soil whenever the plant is watered. They have a hard outer shell and they do squish when popped and they do release a bit of liquid when popped.

So rest easy knowing your home is not about to be infested with spiders!

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