---
title: "I have the happiest calatheas, but why do worm-looking things come…"
description: "I have the happiest calatheas, but why do worm-looking things come out every time I water it? All the little specks on the tub and the tray the bigger pot…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/fvJaGLUyPF1oipBtjbrwrV"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Olivia"
published: "2025-10-10T12:21:20.863615Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iKG25LPxwkfoqJa7YxKKD9yS1qqceFK2VI9N1bgGyuU/X3uw7bnBSYO-9jyBd-nKYg.webp?size=large"
---

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

# I have the happiest calatheas, but why do worm-looking things come…

_Posted by Olivia on 2025-10-10_

I have the happiest calatheas, but why do worm-looking things come out every time I water it?  
All the little specks on the tub and the tray the bigger pot dries on are dried up worm things.  
Clearly the worms aren't hurting the plants, so I'm not worried. It's kinda gross though.

I'm sure I'm just over watering

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iKG25LPxwkfoqJa7YxKKD9yS1qqceFK2VI9N1bgGyuU/X3uw7bnBSYO-9jyBd-nKYg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iKG25LPxwkfoqJa7YxKKD9yS1qqceFK2VI9N1bgGyuU/fA2ZHhdiThqAqtEtPXBfgw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/iKG25LPxwkfoqJa7YxKKD9yS1qqceFK2VI9N1bgGyuU/p7fE3D79SEWagWyAgtAbYA.webp?size=large)

## 12 comments

### Olivia commented on 2025-10-10

Oh man why does it do horizontal photos like that

### Debbie commented on 2025-10-10

Aside from pests, how do you keep them so happy? I struggle so much! Ready to give up.

### Olivia commented on 2025-10-10

I keep them in the brightest indirect light possible, but I think I must overwater. It's also in a big pot, so it has space to grow outward. I've never tried poles, but growing them like a creeping vine seems to work well. Who knows, maybe the worms are the key

#### Debbie replied on 2025-10-10

😂

#### Whyplantyoubenormal replied on 2025-10-10

Did you get some freebies in your worm castings😂

### MummaDeb commented on 2025-10-10

They're beautiful!

### zollol commented on 2025-10-10

thats scary… i dont know… change the soil and treat with hydrogen peroxide?

### Phil commented on 2025-10-10

I googled “worm like bugs in houseplant soil”. To much to add here but it will help figure out what you have. Lots of examples.

### Whyplantyoubenormal commented on 2025-10-10

Wow that’s one of the happiest calatheas I’ve ever seen

### Phil commented on 2025-10-10

Isn’t your plant a maranta, not a calathea? Care is same but growth is different.

#### Amie206 replied on 2025-10-12

Yes - these are marantas!

### Nan commented on 2025-10-12

This can be a common issue in household plants, especially depending on where you live. I’ll give you a few ideas on what it could be and let me know what you think; by the way, they are absolutely gorgeous!  
Soil Fungus Gnats or Larvae  
These tiny white worms live in moist soil and feed on organic matter or roots.  
Soil Mites or Small Compost Worms  
If you use organic soil or compost, you might have tiny worms (like pot worms or red wigglers) that came with it. These are harmless decomposers, but they indicate your soil is staying too wet.  
Overwatering / Poor Drainage  
If your plant’s pot doesn’t drain well, or if water sits in the saucer, it encourages this problem.  
Upload a better/closer photo of the worms if you can

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