Are Rollie Pollies Good for Potted Plants?

Rollie pollies, also known as pillbugs or woodlice, are small grey creatures with hard cased exoskeletons. These arthropods can often be found in areas of high moisture or decaying plant matter, such as garden soil or potted plants. While they may seem like pests that could harm your plants, rollie pollies actually have some benefits when it comes to potted plant maintenance.

What Do Rollie Pollies Do?

Rollie pollies primarily feed on organic matter such as decaying plants or dead insects, and they help to break down this matter into nutrients that the soil can then use. This is beneficial for potted plants because it helps to create a more fertile environment for the roots to grow. Additionally, rollie pollies are natural decomposers and can help to prevent the accumulation of mold and fungi in your potting soil.

How Do Rollie Pollies Benefit Potted Plants?

As mentioned, rollie pollies can help to break down organic matter in the soil, making the nutrients available to your plants. Additionally, they can help to aerate the soil by digging small burrows and tunnels as they move around. This can help to prevent soil compaction which can be detrimental to root growth. If your potted plants are located in an area with high humidity, rollie pollies can also help to regulate the moisture levels in the soil by storing excess water in their bodies and releasing it as needed.

Do Rollie Pollies Harm Potted Plants?

In general, rollie pollies do not harm potted plants. However, if their population becomes too large they can begin to eat healthy plant matter as well as decaying matter, which could lead to damage. This is unlikely to occur in small to medium-sized pots, but in larger containers, it is possible. Additionally, some species of rollie pollies have been known to carry plant diseases or pests, so it is important to monitor their population in your potted plants and remove any individuals that appear sickly or abnormal.

Conclusion

While they may not be the most glamorous of garden creatures, rollie pollies can play an important role in maintaining the health of your potted plants. They help to break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and regulate moisture levels. In small to medium-sized pots, they are unlikely to cause harm, but it is important to monitor their population in larger containers. Overall, rollie pollies are a valuable addition to any potted plant environment and should be welcomed, not feared.