Question
That's brilliant!  No wonder there are so many creepy crawlers on the sidewalk after a heavy rain.

This is very good advice, and I appreciate all the more your not making fun of me for being squirmish about the harmless little things.  I think I will try the plunge-up-to-the-rim method first, since I'm going to enlist my 6'3" fisherman friend to help me.  I wonder, though, if it will matter that I have styrofoam "peanuts" in the bottom of the plant holder, since it's a big pot and I knew when I repotted that too much soil would make it very heavy.

If "soaking" isn't effective, I'll go the Merit/Marathon route.  It just makes me feel better to know that I'm not a freak and imagining these gross worms, and that I have options for eradicating them.

Thanks again! Susan


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Followup To
Question -
Please help!  I think my variegated Schefflera arboricola has worms!  Skinny little white or pinkish-white 1 to 1-1/2 inch worms that seem to creep out of the bottom of its 16 inch pot into a tray every time I water the plant in the last few months.  The health of the plant itself -- at least above ground -- seems good.  It's spindly, mostly I believe from an earlier attack of scales that I took care of with an insecticidal soap.  The scales caused my plant to lose most of its lower leaves, but the remaining canopy of leaves, if you will, look good.  It gets regular filtered sunlight from a southern exposure and has been in the same climate since I bought it.  I did repot it once, when it clearly outgrew its existing pot, into a brand new pot. (Though I can't remember...I may have used a mix of new potting soil and some leftover potting soil from a failed plant experiment...that could be my biggest mistake.)  Anyhow, though I'm sure these worms are harmless to ME, I'm so creeped out by them that I hardly want to go in the room where I keep the plant and am considering throwing the whole thing out.  I know that's drastic, but I hate worms and snakes!  Please, is there any advice you can give me on how to get rid of these indoor albino worms?  I've never heard of such a thing, and couldn't find any information on the internet.
Thanks in advance for your time!
Answer -
Hi Susan,

Worms and other critters living in potting soil are generally harmless to people and plants, but they are creepy! They don't belong inside, which is why it is best to use only sterile potting mixes for indoor plants.

Here is what I usually recommend. Plunge the pot up to its rim (or as far up as possible) in a tub or sink filled with plain water. Leave it for about 30 minutes. This will cause the worms to abandon the soil in search of air. You can then sweep them off the surface and discard them. You might want to get a hardy soul to help you with this if you are phobic about wiggly things!

If you cannot manage this, then you will have to resort to a systemic pesticide that can be used as a soil drench. Merit or Marathon are good choices if you can find either of them. Otherwise ask your garden supplier to recommend a systemic soil drench. Caution: Don't use pesticides if there are pets or children around who might get into the soil.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.  

Answer
Hi Susan,

It's a good thing your friend is 6'3" because those worms are not at all intimidated by men under six feet tall!

Seriously, the styro peanuts might be a problem if they keep the plant afloat in the water and the soil doesn't get saturated. You might consider removing them altogether and using a smaller pot or letting the plant sit lower in the pot. Some people mistakenly add peanuts to the bottom of pots thinkling that will provide good drainage. It does not, so they serve no useful horticultural purpose.

Good luck and be careful where you walk on rainy days!

Will