Dealing with White Worms in a Pygmy Date Palm Pot

Soil‑Borne Pests in Container Palms

Jill found white worms crawling out of the bottom of her 6‑week‑old Pygmy Date Palm planter.

Expert Solution

The worms likely came in the nursery soil. The safest fix:

1. Unpot the palm and discard all old soil.
2. Wash the roots gently to remove any eggs or larvae.
3. Repot in fresh, sterile, well‑draining potting mix.
4. Do not attempt to treat the old soil—eggs may survive.

This eliminates the current generation and prevents future hatches.