I wouldn't even try to deal w/ this, not worth it (to me). I'd return it immediately to the Store & be done w/ it & them (sorry).

But before you return it, take some pictures so we can tell you what they are!

Sounds like millipedes. Remove the plant from the pot, thoroughly wash ALL the dirt from the roots and repot in an appropriate mix. Millipedes like dampness and if you keep the plant on the dry side, you shouldn't have any more problems.

Nancy

I agree with Nancy,
baby millipedes are common around here in potted plants.

JoJo

Thanks JoJo, Nancy, Private Girl, and Rhizo_1 for your advice.

Not sure what I'm going to do. The repotting is probably out because I always have a problem with repotting... soil too loose, or packed too tight, plants never regain sturdiness in soil and often lean after a few waterings. Or the roots rot because soil compacts. The plant's Leaves are 20 to 27" long and pot is 10" deep, so I probably would have a leaning plant very quickly.

I only paid 10 bucks, so I think I will put it on the porch to hasten the drying out. Once it dries out, I will try the systemic. Maybe I will luck out and do no harm. If I take it back, I wouldn't be able to get another snake plant as full. I went to 3 of their locations to select this one. About 12-13 plants vs 7-9 in most pots.

I think you should check the systemic first. The one I recently used was to be used on dampened plants, then watered in. Dry might be quite wrong for it.

Sorry, but you asked for advice which we gave. While you're not required to listen & take our advice, I'm sorry to say (IMO) all the things you're suggesting sound like bad ideas. The NOT repotting, then adding insult to injury (systemic after alcohol). Your plants will be starting out w/ multiple disadvantages, I'd be surprised if the plant survives all that.

I'm not familiar w/ centipedes (or millipedes) in houseplants & how to handle that.

But then again, I said to start, I wouldn't even try this, one shouldn't have to.

If I were that intent on a plant that size, I'd buy the two smaller ones & pot them up together.

Thanks Pirate girl for taking the time to reply.

I'm sorry, I don't know what IMO means.

It's not so much that I'm not open to advice, but more of knowing my history and results since about 1970 with potted plants.
1. I tend to over water. I have even bought clear pots and used large clear plastic drip trays/containers as pots so I could see how wet or dry the plant is.
2. Of course this always calls for repotting and I always have the problem of too loose soil, too compact, or too moist.
3. I agree it sounds like the plant won't have a chance by using a systemic after using alcohol, but it's not as bad as it soiunds. I just doused the alcohol one time at the drainage holes. I did not pour it onto the top of the soil.

The systyemic I have is a liquid (not dry) to be mixed with water. Since I don't have worms ON the plant or on top of the soil, I'm thinking a systemic is more than I need. I am now thinking of making up a insecticidal soap solution to pour on the soil (either Ivory or fels naptha). I have placed the plant outside and it is still moist about 2/3 of the pot. Figure it will take another 5-7 days ro dry down to about 1/4.

What do you think about the soap solution?
Thanks, Melba

Hi Pirate Girl,
Thanks for the IMO & IME slang.
I don't think you are rude, just expressing your opionion. I appreciate your input.

Re: your statement, "I don't wish to be rude Melba, but given how you recount your history since 1970, is that to say you can't grow, change or learn new & better ways of doing things?"

Beleive me, in most aspects of my life, I am a very detailed & analytical person. Before retiring, I received several promotions because of "my attention to detail & analytical abilities". (my kids & and some others feel I am too detailed, but are appreciative when I provide a thought that only "I" would come up with.)

My history with plants since 1970 is NOT doing the same thing since that time. I have tried many new & different (&sometimes better) methods of transplanting, many types of soil, bought several books, plus some of my own ideas. In the long run, I have not eliminated my problem, but My own ideas (clear pots, shallow pots) have worked the best/longest for me.

As I have gotten older, I realize I function better with hard-copy info vs flip-back-and-forth online instructions, and sometimes need to observe something being done. I think if I had a good plant "buddy" & could observe their methods, I might solve most of my repotting problems.

I sometimes wonder if I am not like some cooks. Many can cook everything perfectly every time... while others (using the same recipe) can never get the recipe to turn out the same way twice.

Thanks, Melba