White things living in my soil!!They can LEAP!!
Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2006
by kennyso on September 12, 2006 09:13 AM
maybe try to repot it, removing all the soil and give the bare roots a good soaking in water to move any remaining bit of old soil. I think they may be the larvae of fungus gnats, I've seen those before (only once thank God) and I just threw it out (it was a seedling) I think as long as you don't have anymore old soil it should be ok. and maybe try to water every other day or even once a week or when the soil starts to feel dry. Water until there is water coming out of the drainage holes. Don't think it's because it's next to a window. I've never seen those in the potted plants ouside.
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by The Apprentice on September 12, 2006 09:16 AM
thanks for the info,much appreciated.Im doing what you said as we speak,its my only hope.Cheers
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The Apprentice.
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The Apprentice.
by Star Dancer on September 13, 2006 04:55 PM
Apprentice,
Fungus gnats are an indication you are keeping the soil too moist. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter, such as bark, that is found in some soil mixes. Gnats are an annoyance but not harmful to your plant. Place thin potato slices on the soil to attract the larvae, then discard them after a day or two. Adults live only about 5 days so even if you do nothing, they will soon die off if you allow the soil to dry out more between waterings; how dry depends on the species of plant. A thin layer of fine peat moss is also effective at preventing further infestations.
Fungus gnats are an indication you are keeping the soil too moist. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter, such as bark, that is found in some soil mixes. Gnats are an annoyance but not harmful to your plant. Place thin potato slices on the soil to attract the larvae, then discard them after a day or two. Adults live only about 5 days so even if you do nothing, they will soon die off if you allow the soil to dry out more between waterings; how dry depends on the species of plant. A thin layer of fine peat moss is also effective at preventing further infestations.
by DowntoEarth on September 14, 2006 04:42 AM
You could have an infestation of "Springtails" They jump and scurry around in and out of the soil real fast when the soil is disturbed or watered.
Springtails won't harm your plant, they are just gross little buggers to see!
You can flush them out by watering the soil enough that it spills out over the rim of the pot, then just add any new soil that was lost. You can also add a few little drops of a mild dish soap to the pot as it's filling up, wait, then flush the soil again with just water, the semi soapy water should kill them. Keep the soil dryer if you can.
Springtails won't harm your plant, they are just gross little buggers to see!
You can flush them out by watering the soil enough that it spills out over the rim of the pot, then just add any new soil that was lost. You can also add a few little drops of a mild dish soap to the pot as it's filling up, wait, then flush the soil again with just water, the semi soapy water should kill them. Keep the soil dryer if you can.
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