Question
Good morning, most of my plants have small white worms (different sizes) that seem to appear at the top of the soil, especially when I water the plants.  Nobody knows what they are and how to treat.  I've had this problem before, repotted everything about 1 year ago and voila, I've got them again.  Any ideas?????

Answer
Hi Julianne,

The worms are coming with the soil that you are using. I suggest that you use a sterilized, soilless, peat-based potting mix in the future. Even better, don't repot your plants unless absolutely necessary! Plants prefer to be moderately potbound anyway.

There are chemicals - systemic pesticides - that can be added to the soil that will probably work, but they can be hazardous to use.

Try plunging each plant up to its rim in a tub of plain water. Leave it for about 30 minutes while the critters abandon the soil in search of air. Then let the plant drip dry. That usually does the trick.

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

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