Question
Dear Mr. Creed,
I have a hibiscuss that stays on my porch.  All of the leaves suddenly fell off over a few days.  I decided to re-pot it and found a bunch of little round sacs in the soil close to the roots.  They were white in color.  Now I decided to investigate the other plants even though they look healthy.  My other plant, I think it's a banana plant, has the same sacs, only green colored.  I have not been able to find pictures on the internet to identify the problem.  I am a little grossed out and don't want to touch the soil anymore until I know what the problem is and if I can fix it.  I read something about a tapeworm that can infect humans, but lives in soil.  Obviously, I do not have a green thumb.  Nonetheless, I would like to save my plants without getting a parasite myself.  Help!
Feeling itchy,
Mandy

Answer
Hi Mandy,

I am quite sure that you have nothing to be concerned about. I suspect that what you are seeing may be a soil amendment called perlite that is added to soil to increase drainage. Styrofoam beads are also used for the same purpose. Another possibility is timed release fertilizer that is mixed in with the soil. This fertilizer comes as little pellets that get soft and squishy as they age. They come in a  variety of colors.

A photo or a more detailed description would be necessary for me to be more positive, but I can assure you they are not tapeworms.

BTW, it is never a good idea to repot an ailing plant.

Regards,
Will Creed