How to Prevent and Remove Mold on Houseplants
Houseplant mold growth is a common occurrence. Yet, many people do not know how to prevent it. Even the greenest of thumbs may have some trouble with mold growth on their plants. When left untreated, mold on houseplants can cause respiratory issues. Thus, it is crucial to take care of your plants and remove any mold growth when you see it.
Today we will discuss houseplant mold growth and how to prevent and remove it.
Causes of Mold Growth on Houseplants
Mold needs a few key elements to grow. These elements include a food source, warmth, moisture, and oxygen. These can often be found in soil or on your houseplant. Too much humidity and water and not enough light and ventilation may cause mold. Unhealthy soil can also cause mold to infect your plant.
Identifying Mold Growth on Houseplants
Houseplants can have different types of mold growing on them. The types of mold include:
- White Mold. White mold looks fuzzy and is found on the surface of the soil. This type of mold grows when the soil is damp and does not receive enough ventilation. White mold may not harm your plant but is still best to remove.
- Grey Mold. Grey mold grows in dusty gray spots on the soil surface or in the plant foliage. It can grow on an open wound or a dying part of your plant. This type of mold can kill the plant.
- Sooty Mold. Sooty mold grows in black or green patches on the plant or soil. The presence of sooty mold often indicates scale, which is tiny insects. If they reproduce, they can inhibit photosynthesis.
- Powdery Mildew. Powdery mildew is white and appears on the leaves and stems of plants. It impairs photosynthesis and can kill the plant over time.
Kill The Mold Without Killing The Plants
There is a variety of ways to rid your houseplant of mold. However, make sure you are wearing proper protective gear when doing so.
To remove white mold:
- Use a spoon to scrape the mold off the soil.
- Take a soft, clean cloth with a mixture of water and diluted detergent to wipe the leaves.
- After you remove the mold, add an anti-fungal solution to the soil.
Many people use cinnamon, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar as a natural anti-fungal.
For grey mold, trim any affected pieces of the plant off. Then, apply a fungicide to the plant and soil. Continue as needed.
To remove sooty mold, you need to remove the insects. You can pick them off with clean tweezers or dab them with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. If you have too many insects to remove manually, use an insecticidal solution. Then take a damp cloth and wipe the mold off the plant.
For powdery mildew, trim any affected parts of the plant off. Then, use a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of water or a fungicide to spray the plant.
If the mold infection in your plant is too widespread, you may need to repot your plant. Use clean containers and fresh, healthy soil when repotting.
Keep The Plants Healthy
After you’ve removed mold from your plant, it is vital to prevent it from returning. Here are some excellent ways to make sure your plant does not grow mold:
- Use healthy soil for your plants. Using fresh, proper soil for your plants helps them grow in a good environment. If the soil is contaminated, this can harm your plant.
- Avoid overwatering the plant. A lot of people water their plants too often. When the environment becomes too moist, it allows for mold growth.
- Ensure proper drainage. You should also ensure your plant can drain adequately, so water is not trapped in the pot.
- Remove plant debris. Plant debris can break down and contaminate your soil. When leaves and debris fall, remove them from the pot.
- Make sure your plant has enough light and ventilation. Sunlight and airflow are crucial elements your plant needs. Make sure the area you have your plant allows for these.
- Keep away from humid areas of your home or use a dehumidifier. Humidity can keep your plant and soil too damp. If you find the environment is too damp and causes mold growth, move your plant. You may also use a dehumidifier to help this.
We hope you have learned how to remove and prevent mold growth on your houseplants. However, if your mold goes beyond your plants and is invading your home, iMold can help. Follow iMold on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest news.