What would you do if your new palm had soil mites?

[FloraHouse]

I bought a syagrus weddelliana (mini coconut palm) two days ago and realized upon watering it that it has what I believe are soil mites. I am new to palms but had a soil mite infestation before with African Violets that was slightly gross because I'd find them randomly crawling around my window sill. I am curious: would you return the plant and get something else? Or would you keep it because the mites are probably harmless and you don't care if your plants end up infested with them or you think it's worth the effort to get rid of them and you genuinely believe you can? (I have never had luck getting rid of pests before. It usually ends up that I get rid of the plant.) I do like this palm a lot--those feathery leaves, the fun in saying it's a mini coconut palm even if it will probably never seed/fruit, and its suitability for indoor growing. I am keeping it as an indoor potted plant. But, I also could be just as happy with a different tropical plant. Thanks!

[PalmatierMeg]

Welcome to PalmTalk. Soil mites are not harmful to plants or people and are generally considered beneficial because they feed on decaying matter in soil or compost. See link below:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/soil-mites-info.htm

But if you are determined to get rid of them, at least temporarily do the following:

1. Remove palm from pot. Discard soil mix.

2. Clean/sanitize pot in a way that won't leave residues to damage a plant. Or discard pot and buy new one.

3. Replace old potting mix with a sterile (for now) new mix. One way to sterilize is to bake it for an hour in a 300 degree oven.

4. Rinse old soil mix off palm's roots, then repot.

Know that any attempt to achieve sterility is ultimately fleeting. Eventually, the soil mites will find their way back to the new pot. And any plant you get will have them so don't blame your poor palm. I am visually impaired and can't see them even with a magnifier. For that, I am thankful.