---
title: "does anyone know what this is in the soil of our Alocasia Zebrina?…"
description: "does anyone know what this is in the soil of our Alocasia Zebrina? we’re practically still only just getting started in our journey of caring for lots of…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/BNZz1YL4SHCGePZ9QPnt5w"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Mae"
published: "2024-06-25T09:32:08.977283Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Iq90JgPkas0jBnzmXheRcDASww8lpvEnDD0NelaD7mo/_UP0BYgGTu6UFXKsVGIs4Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# does anyone know what this is in the soil of our Alocasia Zebrina?…

_Posted by Mae on 2024-06-25_

does anyone know what this is in the soil of our Alocasia Zebrina? we’re practically still only just getting started in our journey of caring for lots of plants in our new home so would appreciate some help.

I know it’s very dry right now, we noticed yellowing leaves so have been trying to figure out watering so let her dry out a little incase of over watering!  
Thankyou!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Iq90JgPkas0jBnzmXheRcDASww8lpvEnDD0NelaD7mo/_UP0BYgGTu6UFXKsVGIs4Q.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### LunaCat commented on 2024-06-25

Soil Mites, which aren’t bad for the plant itself, but the number could be problematic. Repot her with fresh soil. Rinse the root ball thoroughly and soak in a peroxide solution water mixture for a few minutes before repotting into fresh soil. The yellowing leaves could be from the roots becoming bound, this plant has needed a bigger pot for a little bit already.

#### Mae replied on 2024-06-25

thankyou, we will look into doing this!

### V.curios commented on 2024-06-25

The little tiny white balls look like slime mold, which is harmless to the plants, and people and pets.

#### Plant Father replied on 2024-06-25

yep, almost definitely slime mold. it will be better for the plant’s health to leave it alone and adjust watering if necessary, than to remove all the soil and treat with peroxide. slime mold at worst is an indicator of overwatering or lack of airflow. removing all the soil from the roots will inevitably remove some root hairs as well and could send your plant into shock. i also don’t recommend hydrogen peroxide unless absolutely necessary as it destroys the soil’s microbiome and our plants rely on bacteria and fungi in the soil for healthy root systems.

#### Mae replied on 2024-06-26

okay thankyou!

#### Mae replied on 2024-06-26

thankyou!

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