- Termites can live in the soil of indoor plants.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Termites can damage house plants, just as they damage the wood of your house, when they find their way indoors and find a conducive environment in which to live. If you discover termites in your houseplants, this can signal that the insect is also living in the wood of your house, so it is important to eliminate them from the affected plant and check your home for infestation. - Termites seem to favor geraniums, according to North Carolina State University Extension's website. Schefflera is another common houseplant that termites seem to like, although they can attack any type of plant. Termites also seem to favor grasses and grass-like plants. Termites that eat fungus will dine on dead plant material indoors or out. If your plant is in a wooden plant container, the chances of a termite invasion are increased because they will eat the wood of the pot as well as your plant.
- When subterranean termites take up residence in the soil of any houseplant, they burrow into the stems, which causes your plant to become wilted, turn yellow and eventually die. From March through May, termites develop wings: you may see them during these months, which makes identification easier than when they are without wings and live in the soil of your plant. When you see these "swarmers," use a vacuum cleaner to remove them.
- Repot your affected plant. After you remove the plant from its pot, shake off all potting soil and then thoroughly rinse all soil from the roots. Scrub your pot with soapy water to destroy any termite nymphs or eggs. North Carolina State University Extension's website suggests treating the soil with an insecticide, but you might find it easier to simply replace the soil and discard the old soil at your landfill. You also might want to check your house for termites, because if they have found their way indoors to a houseplant, they could be living in the foundation or walls nearby.
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