Question
Darlene,
It seems that i get gnats in and around my defenbacka(not sure of spelling). After awhile of them being there, i can see these small worms after i water it. Any ideas what to do to prevent this from happening?
thanks

Answer
Linda,

They are fungus gnats and the larval stage of fungus gnats. They are there because the plant is being overwatered. Even when the surface of the soil feels dry there is a lot of moisture lower in the pot.

The ultimate solution is to allow the plant to get very dry between waterings. You can eliminate the bugs in the soil by watering the soil with straight rubbing alcohol. It will not hurt the roots of the plant and it will kill the insects on contact.

Then do not water the plant again until the soil feels very dry and the pot feels light weight when picked up or tilted. Be sure to let it dry out betwen each watering. The roots of this plant need a breathing spell between waterings, it cannot sit in a constant swamp. Also 2
hours after you water the plant you should empty the drain tray by dumping it or suctioning it out with a turkey baster.

Next time you repot the plant add extra perlite to the soil mix, 1/2 soil/ 1/2 perlite. It will add more air spaces in the soil and make it drain better. If you keep it dryer the fungux gnats will not return. Good luck.

Darlene