They are usually discovered by accident when watering: worms come to the surface of the potting soil. Basically, worms, especially earthworms, are not pests because they loosen the soil. But in the flower pot is not the right place for them.

Worms are not so welcome in flower pots

Why do worms get into potting soil?

These animals tend to get into the flowerpot by accident, for example because

  • he stood outside on the terrace or in the flower bed for a while
  • the worms crawl in through the drain hole
  • Instead of high-quality potting soil, simple garden soil was used when planting
  • they already get into the plant container with the purchased potting soil

Is it a pest?

Earthworms are not plant pests, on the contrary. They loosen the soil, eat dead plant material and fertilize the soil with their droppings. In the garden they have enough space to spread out. It quickly becomes too small for them in the flower pot and they can no longer find food. When this happens, they begin to eat up the fine roots of the potted plants.
The plant is no longer adequately supplied and dies.

Every now and then echytraeus, which are small white worms, appear in the flower pot. They are also harmless to the plant, but they are an unsightly sight. They are brought in with the potting soil from the garden store and are still developing in the packaging.

Remove worms from potting soil

You can get rid of echytraeus by repotting your flower and then planting it in good quality soil. To be on the safe side, you can also sterilize the soil in the oven.

Drive earthworms out of the potting soil as follows:

  1. Fill a bucket with water.
  2. Place the plant in the pot. The earth must be completely covered.
  3. Wait some time, the worms will crawl to the surface as they don't like flooding.
  4. Collect the earthworms and move them to the garden.
  5. Take the plant out of the bucket and let it drain well. Watering is omitted for a few days.

Category:

Garden design