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How to Get Rid of White Worms in Potted Plants?

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Potted plants can add an element of individuality to home décor, but white worms can destroy the whole vibe in seconds.

Many gardeners have to deal with these little critters, so you are not alone if you have to deal with them.

There is no need to worry because the good news is that there are numerous ways to eliminate them. In this blog post, you will explore how to get rid of white worms in potted plants with our efficient methods.

If you notice small, white worms in your potted plants, you must get rid of them as early as possible.

While they are not harmful to humans, they can be pretty destructive to your plants.

You will find everything from natural methods to chemical solutions to get your plants looking healthy and worm-free.

Continue reading to learn how to get rid of white worms in potted plants in no time.

White worm—how to get rid of white worms in potted plants 1
How to get rid of white worms in potted plants? – Image via Ivan Ivanovič.

How to Get Rid of White Worms in Potted Plants?

White worms can cause severe damage to your plants if left unchecked.

This heading details how to get rid of white worms in potted plants for good!

Isolate the Infested Plant

There are a few different things that could be causing white worms in your potted plants.

Whatever the reason is, remove the infected plant immediately from your garden or indoors, as it will cause an entire house infestation within no time.

Spray with Soapy Water or Neem Oil

Water the potted plant with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts of water to remove white worms.

You can also try a product like Neem oil, an organic way to control pests. Mix it with water according to the package directions and spray it on the affected plant.

Avoid Overwatering

While chemical treatments are available to control white worms, preventing them from getting into your pots is the best way to protect your plants.

To start, make sure you’re watering your plants properly. Be sure not to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot and pest infestation.

Over-watering is one of the main reasons why fungus gnats or white worms thrive. So, letting the soil dry out between watering will make your potted plants less attractive to them.

Use Potting Mix for Indoor Plants

Garden soil is a house for many pests and white worms. Therefore, it is a big no for indoor plant pots.

A good potting mix is the best alternative you should opt for to avoid white worms.

You can also try adding a layer of sand or grit to the top of the potting mix, which will help to keep the white worm larvae from reaching the roots of your plants.

Control Soil pH

If you think the white worms reside in your plant due to changed pH, you can test the soil with a pH test kit.

Follow the instructions on the package to take a sample of your soil and determine its pH level.

If the soil is too acidic, you can raise the pH by adding lime to the potting mix or soil. If the soil is alkaline, you can amend it using an organic soil acidifier.

You should only add a small amount and then retest the soil after a few weeks to see if further adjustment is needed.

Too much lime or acidifier can harm the plants as well. Therefore, it would be best to adjust the soil’s pH slowly and carefully according to your plant’s needs.

Related article: 3 Ways on How to Get Rid of Tiny White Bugs in Soil

Chemical Insecticide

You can also try using a chemical insecticide to get rid of white worms, although this should be used as a last resort since it can also harm your plants.

If you do go this route, be sure to choose an insecticide that explicitly targets white worms or pot worms.

Follow the directions carefully so that you don’t damage your plants.

Person in black suit holding red rose—how to get rid of white worms in potted plants?
How to get rid of white worms in potted plants? An insecticidal spray can help eliminate these nasty pests—Image via cottonbro.

Discard Your Plant

If all else fails, you may need to throw out the infested plant and start fresh.

But don’t worry; with proper care and attention, you can keep these pesky critters from taking over your potted plants.

That was all about how to get rid of white worms in potted plants. Let’s take a look at what causes white worm infestation.

Causes of White Worm Infestation

White worms’ colonies often found in your potted plants’ soil are either fungus gnat larvae, root maggots, or pot worms.

These pests generally are transparent and thread-like and feed on the plant root and soil.

Although a mild attack doesn’t show signs, severe infestation causes the plant to wilt, fade or turn yellow.

There are a few different things that could be causing white worms in your potted plants, which are discussed below.

High Moisture

The most likely culprit of white worms in potted plants is heavy watering.

When you water your plants too frequently or with too much water, the excess moisture can cause the soil to become overly saturated.

It promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which can attract and support populations of white worms.

Changed pH

Optimal soil pH is essential for even nutrition supply to your plant and its growth.

If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow, wilting, or developing brown spots, it could signify changed pH.

A low pH gives rise to white worms because they thrive in acidic conditions.

If the pH of the soil becomes too acidic, it can cause problems for plants. The roots may not be able to absorb nutrients from the soil properly, which can lead to yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

Organic Waste

Decomposing organic waste, i.e., fallen leaves or rotten fruits, is food for various pests and worms.

When these critters find their food in a plant, they move their colonies there to carry out breeding. We throw away things that worms enjoy munching on.

Worms are usually called decomposers for their property of eating decaying matter. While organic matter decomposition is a natural and necessary process, it can sometimes cause problems in potted plants.

How to Kill the Little White Worms in Houseplant Pots – YouTube

Conclusion

White worms can cause distress to your plant and may even kill it if they are not removed.

The larvae of pests feed on the roots of the plants, which can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.

If you think you have either of these problems, it is crucial to take immediate action to eliminate the worms and prevent them from returning.

This guide contains all the information on how to get rid of white worms in potted plants. Drop your comments if you liked the post!

Regards,
Happy planting!