Question
QUESTION: I have an indoor tropical plant (not actually sure of the name of it-kind of looks like a palm tree) and I'm devastated that it has spider mites and these weird very small white worms (only found in the soil so far). I sprayed the crap out of the soil with dish soap and water. Will this be good enough or can I do something else? I'm very new to owning plants. Also, the trunk of it looks like it has had termites or something so I sprayed that too. If thre's anyway to send you a picture, please let me know how.

ANSWER: Sarah, the spider mites are easy to eradicate and keep away, (no matter what type of plant it actually is, though I'm leaning toward a Dracaena or Majesty Palm), spray it with a solution of 1 teaspoon of dish liquid and a gallon of water, let it sit for a couple of hours then spray it with fresh water to wash off the dead mites and residual soap/water; hereafter keep the leaves misted and this will deter the return of the mites. The larvae in the soil is a different story, I would change out the soil (there could be eggs that have not hatched yet, and we don't want the plant taking up soapy water into its roots and crown); if you need assistance in this procedure I will be glad to help you out.  regards, Nick

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QUESTION: Thank you so much and this is what I thought I was going to have to do. I would like you to help me with the procedure and how do I prevent it from happening again? Maybe i'm over watering? And yes it is a Dracaena mass.

Answer
Ok, here goes, remove the plant without pulling it out, that is try to get the rootball out intact; then wash the roots off (eggs could be adhering to them). When you purchase a bigger pot (which you really should do), get yourself a small bag of peastone, or aquarium gravel, something to line the bottom of the new pot, for help in drainage. The new soil can be any quality potting soil, but add about 20% perlite to the mix (this will keep it from clogging the root ball) so as to add efficiency when watering, and not having the water just run down the outside part of the  pot and out the holes. Layer the top with some marble stone also, this will keep soil from splashing up when you water it, and will be more attractive then just soil showing. Final step is to place the plant where it will be out of the hot afternoon sun, and try to keep the leaves misted as often as possible. When you put the rootball in the new soil, its going to be pretty wet from washing the old soil off, so you shouldn't need to water it real well (as is normal when replanting) rather give it about a quart of water and then each day put your finger down into the soil and test it periodically; you want to let it dry out between waterings. More plants die from overwatering then any other cause...there you go Sarah, I know you will do just fine with it...regards Nick