Millipedes In Houseplants

Finding millipedes in houseplants can give you a start. These multi-legged creatures are a common, if unsettling, sign of moist soil conditions.

While they’re mostly harmless to your living greenery, a large population can nibble on roots and seedlings. More often, they’re just a creepy-crawly plant pest you’d rather not have indoors. Let’s look at why they move in and how to manage them effectively.

First, it’s crucial to know your enemy. Millipedes are not insects; they’re arthropods. They have two pairs of legs per body segment and curl into a tight coil when disturbed.

They’re detritivores, meaning they eat decaying organic matter. In your pot, that means munching on dead leaves, rotting roots, and decomposing bark in the potting mix. They rarely attack healthy plant tissue, but their presence points to an environment they love.

Why Are Millipedes in My Plant Pots?

Millipedes seek out three main things: moisture, darkness, and food. Your overwatered houseplant pot is a perfect hotel for them.

Excess Moisture: Consistently wet soil is the biggest attractant.
Organic Debris: Decaying leaves on the soil surface or mixed into the potting soil provides a food source.
Entry Points: They often come in from outdoors via windows, doors, or on new plants you bring home. They can also hitch a ride in bags of potting soil.
Shelter: The space under a pot’s saucer or the dark interior of the pot offers ideal hiding spots.

Are They Actually Harmful to My Plants?

For mature, healthy houseplants, millipedes are mostly a nuisance. The real damage is usually minimal. However, there are exceptions you should be aware of.

In very large numbers, they may feed on tender root hairs or young, delicate stems.
They can disturb the soil structure, potentially affecting root growth.
Their presence often indicates overly wet conditions, which can lead to root rot—a far more serious problem.
For seedlings or very young plants, they can be more damaging as they might eat the soft tissues.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Millipedes

If you’ve decided the millipedes have to go, follow these steps. The goal is to make the environment less inviting.

1. Let the Soil Dry Out

This is the most effective step. Millipedes need dampness to survive. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before you water again. This alone will encourage many to leave or perish.

2. Remove Debris and Improve Drainage

Clear away any dead leaves or mulch from the soil surface. Check that your pot has adequate drainage holes. Consider adding a layer of inorganic mulch, like small stones or aquarium gravel, on top of the soil to create a dry barrier.

3. Try Manual Removal

For a minor infestation, you can remove them by hand (wear gloves if you prefer). You can also place a piece of raw potato or carrot on the soil overnight. Millipedes will congregate on it, and you can dispose of it in the morning.

4. Repot the Plant

For a severe problem, repotting is the best solution.

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Shake away as much of the old, infested soil as possible.
Inspect the root ball and rinse it lightly with water to dislodge any hiding millipedes.
Use fresh, sterile, and well-draining potting mix in a clean pot.

5. Use Natural Deterrents

Several home remedies can help. Diatomaceous earth (food grade) is a fine powder that dehydrates millipedes. Sprinkle a thin ring of it on the soil surface and around the pot’s base. Reapply after watering. A light dusting of cinnamon powder on the soil can also act as a mild fungicide and deterrent.

Preventing Future Infestations

Stopping millipedes from coming back is easier than removing them. Focus on creating an environment that’s less hospitable.

Water Wisely: Always check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it’s damp, wait.
Inspect New Plants: Quarantine and check any new plants for pests before placing them near your collection.
Keep Areas Clean: Remove fallen plant debris from pots and the surrounding area promptly.
Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal gaps around windows, doors, and foundations where pests might enter.
Store Soil Properly: Keep bags of potting mix sealed and off the floor in a dry place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In your haste to evict these pests, don’t make these common errors.

Overusing Insecticides: Most chemical insecticides are ineffective against millipedes and can harm your plant’s soil ecosystem. They’re really not necessary.
Keeping Soil Constantly Wet: This is the root cause. Correcting your watering habits is 90% of the solution.
Ignoring the Saucer: Empty the drainage saucer under your pot regularly. Standing water is a major attractant.
Panicking: Remember, they are not like spider mites or scale. They rarely kill plants, so you have time to address the issue methodically.

FAQ: Millipedes and Houseplants

Q: What’s the difference between millipedes and centipedes in my plants?
A: This is important! Millipedes are rounder, slower, and eat decaying matter. Centipedes are flatter, faster, and are predators that eat other insects. Centipedes are generally considered beneficial, even if they look scary.

Q: Can millipedes bite or harm me or my pets?
A: No, millipedes do not bite people or pets. Some species can secrete a mild irritating fluid if handled, which may stain skin. It’s best to avoid touching them directly and wash hands after gardening.

Q: Will neem oil work against millipedes?
A> Neem oil is primarily a insecticide and fungicide. It has limited effect on millipedes because they are not insects. Its best use here is as a soil drench to address potential root rot issues from overwatering, not as a direct millipede killer.

Q: I saw one millipede. Is my plant infested?
A: Probably not. A single millipede is often just a wanderer. An infestation involves seeing many regularly, especially when you water. Start with letting the soil dry out before taking more drastic measures.

Q: Are there any plants that attract millipedes more?
A: Plants that prefer consistently moist soil, like ferns or peace lilies, can be more suseptible if overwatered. But any plant with wet soil and organic debris can attract them.

Managing millipedes in houseplants is really about managing moisture. By adjusting your care routine and keeping your plant’s area tidy, you can easily discourage these creepy-crawly plant pests. A little less water and a bit more airflow goes a long way in keeping your indoor garden healthy and millipede-free.