Question
I have a great house plant (I am sorry I dont know it's type) It has a long narrow trunk about two feet long coming out of the dirt (like a palm tree trunk). It has long narrow & stiff green leaves. The plant is healthy (green leaves & all)...
Problem is the soil is filled with a million little (tiny)whitish worm like bugs. I have tried using insect spray for about the past 3 weeks & it seems to only have gotten worse... Help!

Answer
Hi Melenee,

Plunge the pot up to its rim in a tub of plain water and leave it for about 30 minutes. This will cause the critters to go to the surface in search of oxygen. Skim them off, then let the soil drip dry before returning it to its usual place. You may need to repeat the treatment in a week or two.

Whatever you do, do NOT replace the soil. That may eradicate the worms, but it will also seriously damage the plant!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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