---
title: "I’ve seen these over the last few weeks in the soil of my…"
description: "I’ve seen these over the last few weeks in the soil of my Dieffenbachia. I’ve heard mixed responses as to what they may be (friend or foe) and recently I’ve…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/649984763dd35f0edbfa7b39"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "CraiCrai"
published: "2023-06-26T12:28:38.994Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K3DhwYPVAMywLLZA1fJqRWcl2m1HbTLZQcZ4BUX_Oxw/f8aea2833fb4495fabd8cf69d92ac2e0.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# I’ve seen these over the last few weeks in the soil of my…

_Posted by CraiCrai on 2023-06-26_

I’ve seen these over the last few weeks in the soil of my Dieffenbachia. I’ve heard mixed responses as to what they may be (friend or foe) and recently I’ve noticed more of them, especially after watering. \*they curl up when touched it that helps

Any idea what they may be?

Any solutions for getting rid of them?

Should I isolate this plant as to not infect my others?

Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙏

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/K3DhwYPVAMywLLZA1fJqRWcl2m1HbTLZQcZ4BUX_Oxw/f8aea2833fb4495fabd8cf69d92ac2e0.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### plantlOver🫶 commented on 2023-06-26

Hi! I think those may be centipedes that live in the soil. They are not at all harmful to plants (off my research). Hope this helps!

#### CraiCrai replied on 2023-06-26

I heard that from a few folks already so that reaffirming. I’m hoping they’re benign and I can let them do their thing. I’m a novice with these issues so I appreciate the feedback.

### Danika commented on 2023-06-26

I read they are mostly harmless UNLESS they run out of rotting organic matter to eat, then they can start eating your plants roots. So i personally try to get rid of them (the centipedes) when i see them. You can do that either with a pest spray on soil or just change the soil out.

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