Grocery Store Plant Infestation: Soil Gnats and White Worms Spread to Collection

New grocery store plant introduced soil gnats (fungus gnats) and possibly potworms (enchytraeids) to 8-year-old Norfolk Pine, Jade, Cactus.

Immediate Actions

1. Isolate new plants 2 weeks (spare room).
2. Dry out soil on all plants—gnats need moisture.
3. Bag small pots (4-6") in trash bags 2 days to suffocate gnats.
4. Soap/alcohol spray: 1 tsp each per pint water; mist soil and foliage.
5. Systemic granules (imidacloprid) in soil for persistent gnats/worms.

Jade Leaf Drop

Likely from insecticide spray or root disturbance. Keep dry, bright light; recover in weeks.

Critical Warning

Never let exterminators spray plants—household pesticides kill them.