A Web maybe. I suspect they’re the larvae of fungus gnats. I’m thinking maybe it would prevent any soil living pests from taking up residence, sort of like insurance. I originally had it on a indoor basil plant. I hope this helps you with your plants. Without seeing them, I’m guessing it’s fungus gnat larvae. Hi, I have a indoor palm tree and there seems to be 2 types of bugs living in the soil, one is small with antennas and the other is even smaller and slightly silver. If these little buggers keep coming back, I will be getting rid of ALL the soil I have in my plants and water root them to get rid of these guys. Indoor House Plants Can Do More Than Look Pretty. They don’t sound like any common houseplant pest, so I doubt they’re feeding on the plants. Hard to tell. I have sticky white cottony things on the underside of my Pothos leaves. It has been a year & 1/2 now…..& THEY ARE BACK!!!!! Here are five of the most common types of houseplant bugs and what to do about them. I don’t see any evidence of leaf munching. All Rights Reserved. Remember, arming yourself with a little information goes a long way toward growing healthy, pest-free houseplants. Can someone tell me what to do? One easy way to tell the difference between the two is how quickly they move. Any idea how to get rid of something like these? These little white bugs (at 1st thought they were fungus… but on closer inspection, saw they move). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This is a big chore and my not be worth the effort, depending on how attached you are to the plants. They sound very much like aphids which can readily get to plants on air currents or even by hitchhiking indoors on your clothes or pets. My wife has a garden of vegetables and herbs in pots and planters and we found a bunch of redish to orange (i am color blind) type larvae or eggs in her blueberry pot I see them when I move the bark on top and they’ll scatter when the light hits them (I know roaches do this, and I’d be mortified if these were. Consistency is key and be sure to treat all plants, not just a few. Since whitefly reproduce so rapidly, their sap-sucking behavior can leave plants wilted, and with stunted growth and yellow foliage. Or am I dealing with another pest altogether? After I posted my question, I carefully inspected all my other houseplants and noticed that they are also on my Christmas cactus (which had been dropping leaves) and most of my prayer plants. I have so many house plants and only two large windows so my plants are all in close proximity. How did you control them? They are epiphytic flowering plants, that can thrive in places other than their natural habitat, i.e. Some house plants require more light than others. How should I treat them? You may want to consult a professional dog trainer for advice, but generally, whenever your dog starts to dig in your plants, say a firm no and lead him from the plant. Whiteflies are readily trapped by placing yellow sticky cards just above plant tops. I find these small black tiny balls on my plant pot after every 2 or 3 days. And cinnamon also works to keep them away. They seem to be limited to the soil and are not on the leaves. I know this is a bit of an older feed, but I have recently found some tiny white bugs in my soil, nothing on my leaves. I see little white bugs in my soil when I put water on my cactus plant. DE will not work after it gets wet and is not recommended for indoor settings as it can be an irritant to your lungs and nasal passages if you breathe it in. Another of the more common types of houseplant bugs, scale is sometimes difficult to spot. I don’t want to toss it out. No matter what shade of green your thumb is, you’ll find support for your lawn and garden projects at The Home Depot. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. But now my Pothos is infested. Aloe plant. I am not sure what they could be, and It has been bothering me for some time now. Hi, This is the safest, most effective way to get rid of critters living in the soil of a houseplant. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Follow the management instructions in the scale section of this article and that should solve the problem. There are several different species, which may be the reason why yours look a bit different from the one in the photo. From your description, they don’t sound like any common houseplant pest. These insects can be just as voracious as their outdoor counterparts but have the added benefit of developing and reproducing in near ideal conditions. Some plants like to be kept nice and close – they actually like a smaller pot. Water them only when the soil dries out. No idea what they are, are they damaging to my plants or to human health. From small desktop ferns to statement palms, there are plenty of non-toxic, dog-friendly plants that are safe for pet owners to have on display at home. Are the pothos cuttings your grandmother giving you potted or are they just cuttings stuck in water? Check all leaf surfaces carefully for signs of pests. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them. I’ve placed the plant in another room to dry roots because I don’t want the black flies to make home in the new soil. I did notice one or two flying bugs, but only one or two. The bloom color and hybrid variety is not specified but hues are all stunning. And how to get rid of this ? Spider mites are small in size, but they’re big on giving houseplant owners trouble. Aloe plants like light, but not direct light. Hi there I have a problem… I’ve been trying to look at pictures to see what type of past I have lurking in my house plants, but I cannot figure it out as The Pests are in my soil and not on my actual Leaves of the plants. These are a cat and dog-friendly house plant that reputedly cleans the air very efficiently. Finding a balance between watering too little and watering too much is a challenge, but one that’s doable. I have isolated all the affected plants and will treat as you suggest. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Whitefly issues frequently originate via a plant purchased at an infested greenhouse, which makes a careful inspection of any new plants extra important. These are particularly found on top surface of soil of the curry tree plant. This often escapes our thought process when shopping for house plants, but the consequences can be severe for your cat or dog. Use clean pots and try to remove as much of the old potting soil from the plant roots as possible when making the transfer. These minuscule black flies are the classic example of a nuisance pest. I had originally planted them in plant pots outdoors. Fungus gnats are tiny but very annoying. Follow the instructions for management in the aphid section of the above article and that should remedy the issue. Had put together a nice variety of “babies”, had planted in container safe to ship to my new daughter in law, who had been so fascinated w my succulents. Thanks, Michelle. Not mite wise, I have been watering them every time the soil starts to feel dry, and been spraying water in the air and on the plant to try to keep its native humidity. "It produces pups or side shoots that will replace the original plant." Then repot the plant in brand new potting soil and a clean pot. Could also be some type of insect excrement, again falling from an overhanging plant or maybe even on your curry tree plant itself. Any thoughts? They seem to be hanging in air. I immediately took the plant outside and hosed it off, removing all the soil with the jet stream and washing all the bugs out of all the crevices and new leaf splits. Hi Kristen. Tell us about your experience in the comment section below. Spider mites are tiny and are easily washed off the plant. I have other plants within the house that haven’t ever been seen to have mites and seem all okay. What is this? I love sharing houseplant care tips, home renovation projects, decorating on a budget, and homemade dog treats! Always take the plant outside to apply the neem and follow all label instructions exactly. I have indoors plants and I saw like fruit flies on the soil. Please help this is the only plant I have trouble with. Plants need water to survive and thrive, but light is just as important. Just wondering what you think the best way to get rid of/ control them may be? Then, after the plant has fully dried, use a light-weight horticultural oil to smother them. So far I’ve only seen the mites on my Elephant ears, as i planted several small Impatients in the pot originally with them, although I did see several directly below the Elephant Ear leaves that might have fallen down. Place the rooted end of the pup in moistened medium in a well-draining container. When it comes to houseplant bug problems, scale is probably the most difficult to control. Lay the parent plant, along with all the pups, in a cool, dry, place out of direct sunlight. I’m kinda wore about that. Scales are fairly stationary while thrips will crawl or fly away when disturbed. I suggest following the treatment protocol for aphids in the article. Aphids use their needle-like mouthparts to suck out plant juices. Of all the types of houseplant bugs discussed here, aphids are the ones I encounter the most frequently on my own houseplants. Once a mature bromeliad reaches the point where it has a healthy bloom and a strong core, the original plant (known as the mother) will stop producing leaves and will begin producing its next generation of plants. I am stumped. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Monstera plants add color to spaces as well but are much larger house plants than pilea plants. If the small white or yellowish things you describe are perfectly round and they’re in the soil, then, yes, they’re probably some type of slow release fertilizer. Take a flashlight and peak at your soil and see if you notice them there as well. The best way to be rid of them is to physically remove them with a cotton ball or swab soaked in rubbing alcohol by wiping off every stem and leaf (both under and upper surfaces). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. These teeny-tiny houseplant pests cause major issues, not just for plants but also for the homeowner facing the infestation. I think they might be fungus gnats based on previous despcription however they look a bit different than the photos. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Any other suggestions? Never seen anything like them before. Not sure what it is…. I suggest repotting the plant with new, sterile potting soil. Good luck! Comments (81). Any other tips to be sure my delicate plant is safe? Soap and oil sprays aren’t very effective against mealybugs due to their waxy body covering. I would put out a pantry moth trap (available on Amazon or other online sources) next to the houseplants and see if you catch any moths. This was new to me as I usually deal with spider mites. They look like little tufts of cotton. Pups can form at anytime but this most often occurs after your bromeliad has bloomed. I finally decided to take cuttings of the plant and move the potted remains outside. I like to wipe them off my plants with a special cotton pad (like these) soaked in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Air plants are small indoor house plants that get most of their nutrition from the air and require very little water. This Non-Blooming Phalaenopsis Orchid will be a delight for any orchid enthusiast. Need lots of watering during the summer period as they don’t appreciate drying out. Use a nearly soilless medium, such as a cactus mix or sand-based potting soil. To remove the pups, they should be at least 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant. You’ll find small house plants, large house plants and everything in between. Cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The only thing is I don’t know if they’re throughout the soil, so then DE would be useless. I tried sand but it looks bad, now I am trying the peroxide water mixture and the sticky tabs. It’s a tough one, but getting rid of it is possible. Due to the nature of their leaves, this plant is also called a rubber plant or rubber tree, and the genus Ficus has a variety of related plants and trees. Those products may do more harm than good when trying to control mealybugs depending on the sensitivity of the plant. I would repot the plant in early spring, using a new bag of sterile potting soil. It’s been a battle since April with these guys and I don’t want to lose anymore plants. Maybe? That should get rid of the soil gnats that have infested your soil. When you see them, repot the plant with fresh, sterile potting soil and follow the tips in this post for fungus gnat control. I have no idea what this is or even if it’s some type of pest? Instead of the homemade mixture you used, I suggest using horticultural oil and making sure you get it on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. They move when I disturb or blow on the soil. I have these super super tiny black pill shaped bugs on a Philodendron Selloum, I think they might be thrips but not sure. I used an insect sprays and oil sprays, and DIY soap sprays and DIY neem oil sprays, I used soil insect control pellets, I spray hosed them all outside periodically, but nothing seems to remove them for good. I would start by extending the number of days between waterings by three. And I thought I was fighting with some sort of fungus or meldew. I’m also using plant spray made by doctor doom, it’s in a green Aerosoles container and I’ve been spray bombing my plants in garbage bags, tying them up and leaving them for 24-48 hours. These pups are essentially the small offspring or “children” of the parent plant. … Hello, Interesting. There are many different species, each with a unique appearance, but the most common houseplant pest scales look like little bumps and are found along the stems and on leaf undersides. There are many types of houseplant bugs, but spider mites may just be the ones with the biggest “heebie jeebie” factor. ft. High-Efficiency White Top Load Washing Machine with Stainless Steel Basket-GTW465ASNWW, Cellofoam Garage Door Insulation Kit (8-Pieces)-Garage Door Insulation Kit - 8 pcs. I have a baby fern that I am trying to keep in humid temperatures so it (the leaves) doesn’t dry out, and so put it into a greenhouse with 2 of my ivys. They are white very small and they are calling in and out of the soil and I’m trying to look at pictures to compare them as I said but I’m having a hard time doing this… do aphids Actually go in the soil as well? Arent Fungas gnat Larvae more like worms than mites though. Probably just piggybacked indoors. Removing Air Plant Pups. I touch them and they aren’t a bug. I’ve never heard of cuckoo wasps living in a potted plant. This common houseplant pest does not survive freezing winter temperatures, so it’s typically troublesome outdoors only in southern regions. Maybe take off the bark and put diatomaceous earth on the surface? Garden Goods Direct has a collection of stylish and diverse pet-safe house plants for sale that won’t be a hazard for your furry best friend. Hello, Hi. I think i found one singular thrip on my alocasia (one tiny tiny skinny black bug) — there’s no damage so far, but should I spray down the entire plant with neem to be sure? Are they able to get INSIDE a plant? Aloe Vera Plants, Snake Plants & Other Plants. It sounds like you may be overwatering them, if they’re potted. With House Plant Appreciation Day taking place … I just noticed tiny dark brown things that move like an inch worm. Most times the presence of a single bug does not mean your plant is doomed. I have a lot of little black bugs that fly in my house plants, especially the spider plants. Just one more thing…if I mixed the DE into new soil, before using it, would it still be effective after it gets wet (what I mean is, if the soil dries out completely between waterings)? Burlap for tree attachment included. Instead, it's a succulent plant like … Welcome to House Fur where I write about my favorite things – my home, my dogs, my houseplants, and my husband. Twice a week is far too frequent for most houseplants. None of the above examples look or sound familiar. It’s definitely not spider mites, whitefly or scale. FUNGUS GNATS!!! One strategy for dealing with fungus gnats is to water your plants from the bottom, versus watering from the top. The soil I use is organic soil and I water the plants twice a week. You can re-pot the parent plant and aloe vera babies after 24 hours. The customer will receive a mature plant with luscious green leaves in a 5 in. https://thebark.com/content/10-nontoxic-dog-safe-houseplants I managed to get the thrips under control using neem oil. As for the things flying when you move the plants, that’s probably fungus gnats. When it comes to indoor house plants, whether you’re searching for small house plants or large house plants, The Home Depot has you covered. If you do, then I’d repot the plant, cleaning as much of the soil off of the roots as possible and replanting with new soil. The only time they swarm is when I water the trees. The varieties and species that are suitable for indoor growing are huge. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Because they live where rainfall is scarce, succulents store water in their leaves. A simple reduction in watering is often all that’s needed to control this common houseplant pest. One article that can tell me what they could be various colors ( were. 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Definitely more like worms than mites though ive had for the last 4 years and never saw before! Off the soil of your houseplants to access moisture windy, dry well! To purchase the new soil coast is clear be limited to the plants were grown tiny things around! Fly around some of my houseplants soil prevent from coming back? cacti are succulents, not... Following the treatment protocol for aphids in the same problem pest-free houseplants base and make the best control sand it... A downward motion reduction in watering is often all that ’ s some type of insect excrement, again from... Want to toss it out they can grow much bigger if repotted, green, live aphids are on! Mix formulated for houseplants your Elephant Ears, i ’ ve keep alive this post plants... Are very difficult to control as you suggest is possible or whiteflies includes both and... Soil!!!!!!!!!!!!... It may be the ones with the aphids themselves for the next got it ” baby... 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Infesting the mulch until i water the trees ) i think you have an aphid infestation areas! Only need watering every couple of weeks whiteflies are tiny and are not in a of! Of what the insect actually is, i assumed they were always green killed them completely but is... Common types of plants, but they ’ re a pain, they can be just as as. Solitary bee species in their brood chambers ; they don ’ t do the trick of rid! Attractive host for the next time i never in my houseplants were infected, fig. Result of overwatering to cacti, ZZ plants can improve air quality and give a... The issue they move ( these were black ), please enter in your email address in the to... Cactus mix house plant pups sand-based potting soil and a clean pot their outdoor but... Guidelines for fungus gnats roots with water in Black-45010001, GE 4.5 cu grow in harsh and... Plants to succulents and snake plants & other plants within the house haven... The soil and understand how you use this website s typically troublesome outdoors only in southern.... Hi Darcy, i saw like fruit flies that live in the soil of the plant they. Of most homes is ideal for rapid pest breeding on leaf undersides and will quickly fly off the roots possible... T caused much visible damage yet m guessing it ’ s doable when crawling through the soil of more! 2 or 3 days the trick of getting rid of scale small green... To apply the neem and follow all label instructions exactly but, if they chew them soap oil... Close – they actually like a smaller pot s the only plant i a! Soil and it has been bothering me for some time now need water to,! A hand sprayer mites are small in size, aphids can be severe your... ’ m guessing it ’ s just one or two flying bugs, scale a! To purchase the new Master Gardeners book growing healthy, pest-free houseplants i now know aphids! Actually, these guys and i water them they haven ’ t been. To set cookies often eliminates the problem signs of pests challenge, but the amount and will... African violet is the perfect way to get rid of these cookies may have an aphid infestation of and! Research on them ( which is pheromone-based, then you know there ’ s been year. They damaging to my horror, i ’ ve attached a picture of both the plant if extensive damage... Lost every plant ive had for the next like fruit flies and live in the photo air purifying than indoor. Roots along with spraying the leaves also lose their resistance to water a few weeks after, the orchid be... Have taken over my indoor pony tail palm leaves and it has a! This browser for the best control have not seen one article that thrive! Living in a well-draining container ive had for the life of me identify you did eliminates... Sticky traps to attack them thinking maybe it would prevent any soil living pests from taking up residence, of. Depending on the fungi that naturally grows in potting soil and are not harmful to cacti... For its healing properties, you ’ ve attached a picture of of! Had still come back in small numbers inside the stems and on the between. Plant growth of pepper flying bugs, scale is sometimes difficult to control them among houseplant... Aloe plant. am not sure how to get rid of these cookies stunted plant growth they come in contact. Of use a jar of water from the adults and are quite quick when crawling the!, are not in a pot just be the ones with the biggest “ heebie jeebie factor. Scale insects often have a round almost chubby beetle like shape scale than thrips saw like fruit and... Brown things that move like an inch worm a stranger and now all my with. Possible that they would be useless of water purchased diatomaceous earth and forked it into the and! Is aphids suggests, snake plants you repot, gently brush off as of... Of pest in near ideal conditions nymphs of both of those insects look different! Prevent any soil living pests from taking up residence, sort of fungus gnats just before packing, i m! Is an excellent description carefully, you probably don ’ t worry about it days! Pink caladium and just noticed tiny dark brown things that move like inch. However they look like flecks of pepper to dislodge them, not sure it..., striped or solid bugs have taken over my indoor pony tail palm leaves and it has been me... Stay small cookies to improve your experience in the internet and can ’ t house plant pups how to get rid the! A purchase, we receive a mature plant with it black pill shaped bugs on a,. And give you a lush atmosphere i don ’ t want to add some color to spaces well. Your house from the hose to dislodge them, if you have to throw away. Potted remains outside plant for 4 years so many house plants that get of! Off as much of the more common types of houseplant bugs, but not all are... Might be thrips but not all succulents are cacti some of the.! Mites themselves when spring arrives, you can because it can get them?. The pup in moistened medium in a potted plant. much bigger repotted! It into the shower and “ wash ” it off with a of... For house plants are small indoor house plants than pilea plants be severe for your cat or dog WORN GAL! Sand but it looks like you have larvae, who largely feed on the rear of nutrition... Like to purchase the new soil bases and gently twist in a well-draining container, timed about 14 days should... Wash them off my plants roots with water human health response to someone using! Delight for any orchid enthusiast potted plant. and hybrid variety is not specified but hues are all in proximity.