 |
| "I have worms in the soil of my house plant". On further investigation, this is not a worm, but a millipede. When just touching them, they curl into a tight spring like circle. |
 |
| Here's a closer view. Not to worry, millipede's eat decaying plant matter. As you can see, the darker areas within the millipede are in fact soil. They help to decompose vegetation. So they are a good thing. However, when numerous are found, they may eat fine roots of the potted plant. So removal is necessary if you want to optimize plant health. |
 |
| Easy to detect, as they curl immediately when touched. |
House plant soil is primarily peat based and a great place for millipedes to hide and nest. There were over 15 found in the above pot - one house plant pot. This potted house plant was brought outdoors during the summer months and I believe the millipede laid an egg stash and once brought into the house, they hatched. Sometimes you find them in your house plant pots because they look to find food or a nesting area when they've made it into your home. They have a great purpose: to accelerate the breakdown of organic plant matter, acting as "macro-decomposers." If you find them in your house plants, remove them to your garden or compost bin. They sure are helpful creatures!
