Question
Hello,  I am very new at caring for plants.  I have always admired them from a far afraid that I may not know how to care for them.  I have recently purchased my first plant a Massangeana cane.  When I was watering it I noticed that it had worms in the soil.  This is the same soil that it came with when I purchased it 1 week ago.  The plant itself appears very healthy.  Do I have to get rid of these worms?  If so, how do I go about doing that?  

Answer
Hi Isadora,

Welcome to the world of indoor plants. Caring for them can be both challenging and rewarding!

The worms in the soil will not harm the plant at all. Occasionally they leave the pot and then die of dehydration on the carpet or floor. If this freaks you out, you may want to get rid of them. Otherwise they can be left alone.

One option is to return the plant and ask for another in exchange. Otherwise, you will have to plunge the pot up to its rim in a tub of water and leave it there for about 30 minutes. This will cause the worms to rise to the surface in search of air. Scoop them up and take them outside.

One other comment. The better quality plant growers use pest-free potting mixes. The fact that yours has worms suggest that the grower may have cut some other corners in producing your 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.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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