My plant has these bugs in the soil. The leaves always look dehydrated and stems keep dying off. The roots don't look too good either.
Last week, I soaked the soil in soapy water and washed the leaves individually. I didn't see any bugs for a couple of days, but then they came back (last two pictures). There are fewer bugs, but they're definitely not gone. Does anyone have any suggestions?
The plant gets good light. I keep it in an easy facing window.
Thank you!
by ReflectiveRodent
4 Comments
Have you tried changing to a different soil? I would try that. I really like the Ocean Forest or Happy Frog. I’d also try to get as much soil off the roots and maybe rinse them in water (just the roots) and try repotting đ¤ˇ
These are beneficial soil mites, either Stratiolaelaps or Gaeolaelaps (most likely Stratiolaelaps). They eat things like fungus gnats and thrips, they have nothing to do with your plant not doing well
How did you soak the soil? Iâve seen people recommend to submerge the entire plant for a couple of hours to kill the pests. They all seem to have great success with that method.
I would treat with a pesticide and completely change the soil out.
not sure if this is the same bug problem i had, but i sprayed my plants soil with a 1 part hydrogen peroxide + 3 parts water solution and it killed the eggs in my soil without hurting my plant!