Buzz
Indoor plants are a fantastic way to purify the air. Unfortunately, mold can sometimes grow on houseplants, turning this beneficial practice into a potential issue. Mold can develop due to several reasons, including poor maintenance, overwatering, or lack of sunlight. Mold growing on soil or leaves can be harmful to both the residents and the plants. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate this mold.
Steps
Removing Mold from Soil
Scrape off the mold. If you notice mold on the soil, typically on the surface layer, you can remove it using a spoon. Visible mold is often harmless saprophytic mold to humans. However, this type of mold can cause root rot if left untreated.
- If the mold is excessive – or if it spreads throughout the pot – you’ll need to repot the plant using high-quality potting soil.
Let the soil dry. After removing the mold or repotting the plant, allow the soil to dry before watering again. If the plant requires moist soil, wait until the surface dries. Otherwise, wait until the top 5 cm - 7.5 cm of soil is completely dry. Continue this drying process between waterings.
Add antifungal agents to the soil. Fungal spores can spread in the soil and easily return if this step is skipped. You can sprinkle cinnamon, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar on the soil as natural antifungal agents. These prevent mold growth without harming the plant.
Keep the soil clean. Remove debris like decaying leaves or branches from the soil. These can encourage mold growth. Prune the plant as needed.
Removing Mold from Plants
Identify the mold condition. Before attempting to remove the mold, determine whether it is active or dormant. Dormant mold appears lighter and powdery, while active mold looks fluffy and soft.
Move the plant outdoors. When mold is detected on the plant, take it outside. This prevents the mold from spreading if it is active. Choose a spot far from gardens or other plants to avoid risking contamination while cleaning your indoor plant.
Dampen a paper towel. Wet a paper towel and gently wipe the mold off the leaves. Flip the towel after each wipe. Once all clean sides are used, replace it with a new one to avoid spreading the mold further. This method removes most of the mold.
Trim infected leaves. If mold persists after wiping, it indicates active growth. Identify affected leaves and use a knife to cut them at the stem. Dispose of the trimmed leaves properly.
Spray and relocate the plant. After cleaning, apply a store-bought fungicide to prevent mold recurrence. Spray the plant outdoors before bringing it back inside. Place it in a well-lit area and monitor it to ensure the mold does not return. If it does, follow these steps:
- Maintain the plant at around 21°C.
- Keep the soil drier than usual.
- Ensure proper air circulation.
Preventing Mold Growth
Use the right type of soil. Start by planting in sterilized soil to prevent mold. When bringing a new plant home, remove it from its current soil, which may contain mold. Gently replant it in fresh, sterilized soil.
Maintain a healthy environment for the plant. Provide adequate light and airflow. Sunlight is an excellent way to control mold on indoor plants. Ensure the plant receives plenty of sunlight. Similarly, placing the plant in a well-ventilated area reduces the risk of mold. A gentle fan near the plant can help.
Water only when necessary. Overwatering often leads to mold issues. Always ensure the soil surface is completely dry before watering. Sometimes, the soil may take longer to dry than usual. It’s best to check by touching the soil rather than following a strict watering schedule.
Keep the plant clean. Remove fallen leaves and debris from the soil, as these can contribute to mold growth. Regularly prune dead parts of the plant and keep the leaves clean by wiping off dust and dirt.
What You’ll Need
- Paper towels
- Water
- Cinnamon
- Antifungal agents
- Fresh, sterilized potting soil
- Fungicide spray
Tips
- Wear a dust mask while cleaning the plant to avoid inhaling mold or fungicide.
