It’s been a while, but someone told me that these uniform granules I find under pots under the drain hole and sometimes mounted are the product of a beneficial insect. I don’t remember if the person indicated that they were castings or just neatly created granules that have fallen through. I just noticed these under the ‘Brasil’ philodendron. Does anyone have confirmed knowledge of this occurrence? Thank you in advance 🪴
This looks like mainly dirt from your roots pushing around in the pot. Castings will generally be completely uniform, and usually cylindrical or round in shape. Or in the case of isopod, rectangular.
2 likes But, they shouldn't be harmful. And if you wanted to get rid of them you'd just need to repot, spray down the roots
1 like Thank you for your very quick reply. With respect for your knowledge what you have shared. Are you noticing the smaller and fairly uniform granular pieces in the first photo I sent? I’ve enlarged the area to possibly help solve or confirm the mystery. They are mostly in the bottom left area of the pile. In an additional photo I’ve added here (from a saucer of a completely different plant – spider plant back in Dec.), they are more obvious, yet quite similar to my eye. I’m just remembering to add that it was suggested that I sweep these back into the topsoil as they serve as fertilizer? Anyone else have this experience and or knowledge? Thank you 🪴
You can definitely sweep it back into the plant. When I was breeding meal worms for reptiles I'd toss the castings on the plants. They like them.
2 likes The zoom still doesn't work for me, sorry. That's much more clear
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FYI… You can use mesh pads for your plant pot holes; they’re very effective at keeping dirt, or whatever, from dropping through the bottom of the pot hole. I use them on all my pots; they come in all sizes… from 2 inch to 4 inch, to large pieces that you can cut to fit large pots… I think they work great!
I agree with Wolfen that the first photo with the coin looks like potting mix bits and not worm castings. The last photo is worm castings that are beneficial. Keep those as Wolfen has stated. I also agree with Lynda to use mesh over the drain holes to prevent future issues of the soil and castings falling out of the pot.
3 likes I do use mesh screens and appreciate your feedback regarding the worm castings. Thank you 🪴
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