Abutilon question - Ask Extension
I have an potted abutilon in my sunroom - about to move it out to the patio for the warmer weather. I've noticed as I water it that there are little w...
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Abutilon question #869812
Asked May 23, 2024, 3:38 PM EDT
I have an potted abutilon in my sunroom - about to move it out to the patio for the warmer weather. I've noticed as I water it that there are little worms that appear in the saucer water. What is going on, and whats should I do (I was thinking of repotting it anyway as its been in this pot a couple years)??
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Gardener,
Thank you for contacting us about your potted abutilon. Can you please send a photo of the worms and a detailed description? Was the existing soil reused from another pot?
Are there any signs of damage to your plant?
It would be best to take a sample to your local Extension office; however, if this is not possible, I'll be happy to try advise you from photographs.
Thank you for contacting us about your potted abutilon. Can you please send a photo of the worms and a detailed description? Was the existing soil reused from another pot?
Are there any signs of damage to your plant?
It would be best to take a sample to your local Extension office; however, if this is not possible, I'll be happy to try advise you from photographs.
Hello Lynn.
This is a follow up to my question and your reply regarding my Albutilon plant. The Albutilon has been in this pot for about 2 years. I believe it was planted in potting soil rather than used potting soil. The plant does not seem damaged, tho it is leggy and I know I need to trim that back. Its just finished a period of prolific blooming so I think its healthy. I'm including two photos. The worms I mentioned are at position 6 and 7 oclock, tho previously there have been a few more. Today I noticed there seem to be a few little bugs jumping around in the water. I'm thinking I need to repot asap, but I've never had this issue with a plant before so I'm curious as to why this would happen. Any insights you have would be appreciated.
Best,
Diana Upton
Hello again, Lynne.
I just sent a reply about my Albutilon, and you had also answered a question about horsetail ferns. Somehow I pushed the wrong button and your reply disappeared (but fortunately I saved the article you referenced). So just a couple thoughts/questions that you might have insight on. You (and several articles) advise using lime to raise the ph level. However most of my plants are acid loving (blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, iris, dahlias). Does it help if i just use lime in the areas where the horsetail ferns are more prolific? Another article suggested using gypsum. Any thoughts? I do appreciate your help on this and only wish I'd thought to ask this question 2 years ago.
Regards,
Diana Upton
Dear Diana,
Thanks for the photos and additional information. I'm not sure what you are seeing are worms per se. A closer inspection would be necessary to identify the organisms in your abutilon.
Technically, there are no symptoms since there is no apparent damage to the plant; but you have the option of taking samples to the Polk County Extension office for closer examination. Alternatively, you might just treat the 'symptoms'.
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office/Polk County Master Gardeners
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
<personal data hidden>
Even sterile soils will eventually develop live organisms when there is a living plant. Treatment is needed only when there is plant damage or if there is a nuisance such as fungus gnats. You can repot the plant into clean medium with the understanding that anything that clings to the roots will end up in the new pot.
I would like to make a suggestion to elevate the pot slightly so it does not sit in any excess water in the drain pan. You can use pot feet, a trivet, or anything else that keeps the pot away from the liquid in the drain pan.
So I hope this information is useful if not helpful. Please write again anytime you have a garden question.
Thanks for the photos and additional information. I'm not sure what you are seeing are worms per se. A closer inspection would be necessary to identify the organisms in your abutilon.
Technically, there are no symptoms since there is no apparent damage to the plant; but you have the option of taking samples to the Polk County Extension office for closer examination. Alternatively, you might just treat the 'symptoms'.
https://www.polkmga.org/resources/help-desk-and-plant-clinics/
Polk County Extension Office/Polk County Master Gardeners
289 E. Ellendale, Suite 301
Dallas, OR 97338
<personal data hidden>
Even sterile soils will eventually develop live organisms when there is a living plant. Treatment is needed only when there is plant damage or if there is a nuisance such as fungus gnats. You can repot the plant into clean medium with the understanding that anything that clings to the roots will end up in the new pot.
I would like to make a suggestion to elevate the pot slightly so it does not sit in any excess water in the drain pan. You can use pot feet, a trivet, or anything else that keeps the pot away from the liquid in the drain pan.
So I hope this information is useful if not helpful. Please write again anytime you have a garden question.
Thank you Lynne for this information and suggestions. I do have another question:
I am slowly transforming my front lawn (many many dandelions) into a cottage garden. As I lift clumps of weeds or grass I'll have sections where the soil has clung to the weed and a divit is left inthe soil. I'm wondering what i should replace it with - topsoil, compost, mulch?
Thanks for your time.
Best,
Diana Upton
Dear Diana,
To fill divots in the soil, you can purchase any good (i.e. weed-free) garden soil in bags. Beware of "topsoil" which can be a misleading label. Essentially it is just the topmost layer of soil that is scraped off building sites or farm fields and often contains many weed seeds.
Compost will shrink considerably since it is primarily composed of organic materials. If you are planting wildflowers, natives, or herbs, they generally do better in fairly lean soil rather than one that is rich with organics.
Hope this helps. Happy gardening!
To fill divots in the soil, you can purchase any good (i.e. weed-free) garden soil in bags. Beware of "topsoil" which can be a misleading label. Essentially it is just the topmost layer of soil that is scraped off building sites or farm fields and often contains many weed seeds.
Compost will shrink considerably since it is primarily composed of organic materials. If you are planting wildflowers, natives, or herbs, they generally do better in fairly lean soil rather than one that is rich with organics.
Hope this helps. Happy gardening!
