Question
QUESTION: I have a Chinese plant that is not in soil, but in water.  The water has tiny worm like things in it and they are swimming around.  How do I get rid of them without killing the plant.

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

I am going to assume that your "Chinese" plant is a lucky bamboo because it is growing in water. Please correct me if I am wrong.

The best way to get rid of the worms in the water is to dump out all of the water and replace it with fresh water. It is a good idea to do this every week or two. Changing the water will not hurt the plant in any way.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have had the Chinese bamboo for about four years and have never had to do that.  What are the little worms?  My son said that it was live bacteria.  Could that be true.

Answer
Hi Karen,

It is hard to say just what they are as they are not plant pests, per se. They may be some type of larvae. But they are not bacteria because bacteria are not visible to the naked eye.

When standing water is not changed for a long time, then there can be a build up of foreign substances, including critters. It is also possible that the worms may now be living inside the stems of the lucky bamboo. So it is important to rinse them off carefully, as well.

~Will