Knowing how to get rid of mold on plant soil is crucial because white mold on plants is an utter nightmare for all gardeners. As one of the most common issues that plant owners experience, this is an important knowledge to be aware of. This is why I am here to tell you the causes of mold on plant soil and how to fix them. After this article, mold won’t be a problem of concern anymore.
Contents
1. What Are The Causes Of Mold On Soil?
Usually, you are likely to find mold on the soil after you bring your plants in when winter comes. Sometimes the mold may also grow in the containers that stay inside all year long. So it can pop up at any time as if it just happens overnight. Saprophytic Fungus is a harmless white mold that feeds off and helps to break down organic material. However, it is not healthy for the plants when this mold starts to grow and spread around.
Just like many other fungal diseases, mold occurs and thrives in dark, moist, and stuffy environments. Sadly, those are the unavoidable conditions that can easily happen to indoor gardening at home. Some of the main causes of mold in plant soil at home are:
1.1. Contaminated Soil
Sometimes the mold does not come from anywhere else but the soil itself. It is not uncommon for soil to have some microorganisms, but some can contaminate the soil before you use it. Plus, with the poor storage and incorrect potting method, mold can appear shortly after you grow a plant in it. This is why you should always inspect the soil bag for any signs of mold before potting your plants.
1.2. Overwatering
When there is too much water, it can lead to many issues that your plants will suffer from. Overwatering is one of the main causes of Fungus and molds on the plant and soil before resulting in other diseases. While indoor houseplants require less watering, there are enthusiastic gardeners who often over-water the plants. When there is too much water, mold on the soil will appear sooner or later.
1.3. Poor Drainage
Overwatering is one thing, and poor drainage is just another factor that encourages excessive water to stay in. So what are the causes of poor drainage, and how to prevent them? Poor drainage is a result of dense soil, incorrect pot size, and lack of drainage holes. This is why you want to make sure that the pot that you choose for the pothos plants is right. Too big or too small are not recommended, and you should always check for drainage holes. There should be at least one so that the excess water can make its way out of the soil.
As for the dense soil, it occurs when there is too much amount of soil in the pot. This simply means there is no proper air circulation and oxygen in the soil for the plants. Then the water is able to leave, causing the soil to be too damp or moist. The advice is to use a potting mix with plain peat moss for better drainage for your plants.
2. How To Get Rid Of White Mold In Plant Soil?
Once you know the causes, solving the problems is just another step that you can easily move on to. The good thing is that there are several solutions that you can apply to tackle this mold problem. Feel free to check out the recommendations below and see which one is the most suitable approach for you.
2.1. Cinnamon
One of the best home remedies that you can use to get rid of mold on plant soil is cinnamon. It is right there in the kitchen which you can easily find to deal with the problems right away. First, use a cloth or cotton swab to wipe the mold off the surface of the soil. Then sprinkle the cinnamon on those spots, and let this useful spice to the work. The strong effects from the powder simply repel mold from the soil, and it works fast as well.
2.2. Houseplant Fungicide
Another way to deal with white mold on plants or soil is by mixing your own houseplant fungicide. The ingredients are rather easy to find, and you can create one within minutes. All you need to do is mix baking soda with water in a spray bottle, then shake the solution well. Make sure that the mixture is not too strong because it can affect or harm the plants. Simply spray your solution on the mold, and it will disappear in no time.
2.3. Manual Removal
Since mold usually grows on the surface of the soil, you can manually remove it. Use a garden trowel to gently scoop the mold from the top layer to get rid of it. You can also wear gloves and remove the mold by hand if it is more convenient for you. Once you take everything out, spray the soil with a fungicide to prevent it from coming back.
Cleaning the soil alone is not enough, you should also clean the plants as well. Use a damp cloth or towel to wipe the plant down to make sure that there is no more mold. Then you may also apply fungicide to the plant just to be safe. The best fungicide for this case is a mixture of potassium bicarbonate with water. It is organic, and it works great with white mold spores. Spray the solution over the plant and soil surface, and you are good to go.
2.4. Natural Anti-Fungal
If the conditions that you have are cold or damp, then a natural anti-fungal can always help you with the mold. It is like a home remedy that you can easily mix and use within minutes. Mix either apple cider vinegar or baking soda with water in a spray bottle, shake it well, and that’s it. Apply or spray this solution to the soil to deal with the fungal or mold situation that you have. And you don’t like mixing, you can simply sprinkle either of them onto the soil which is even easier. The best part is that none of these solutions will harm the plants, and that is a great method to use.
2.5. Repotting
Don’t want to try the remedies above since it is already too much of the mold? There is still one last resort that you can apply to rescue your plants in a quick way. In case the problem is already too serious to deal with, then you will need to repot your plants. Moving the plant to a new pot and soil is another effective to not experience the same problem again. With the new pot, make sure that the soil is sterile, and the pot has proper drainage holes. It is fast and simple, and you won’t have to wait in case the mold can damage your plants.
You can also use the same pot, but make sure to clean it well before putting in the new soil. During this process, you should also spray the container with a fungicide to ensure that it is clean and mold-free. Then refill the pot with fresh soil before placing the plant in. Speaking of plants, you should also clean their leaves as well as their root systems. This is to prevent the same contaminated problems from happening again.
2.6. Sunlight
As I have mentioned above, mold in plant soil is a result of dark and moist conditions and soil. One of the first things that you can try is to take your plants outside and expose them to some sunlight. It is an approach that can work fast and well because it can dry out the potting soil. This also means it can get rid of mold on the plant-soil as well. How does it work? Sunlight can dry out the soil, and no excessive moisture means no more favorable conditions for the mold to thrive.
However, make sure that the day is not too hot because it can damage your indoor plants. The best time to apply this method is in the morning from 7 AM to 10 AM and late afternoon. This may take some time to work, but sunlight can definitely do something with the presence of the mold. I would say that it is more effective for light mold, the dense problem may require a stronger solution.
3. How To Get Rid Of White Fungus On Plants Using Home Remedies
White Fungus or white mold is annoying, but there are always solutions to those. I would like to introduce you to some of the easy and effective home remedies below. Let’s see which one is going to be the best approach that you find interesting.
3.1. Mouthwash
Surprisingly, mouthwash is also another good remedy that you can try to eliminate white Fungus. Make sure to use an ethanol-based mouthwash and mix it with three parts water, then apply it to the affected area. This method is effective, but do not use it too often as it can be harmful to the growth of new plants. So it is advisable to use it just once a week or once every two weeks. Also, it is better to just use it on the soil so that your plants won’t experience any effects or shocks.
3.2. Neem Oil
The special thing about neem oil is that it is a natural insecticide that works wonders. It does not only get rid of mold and white Fungus but also pests which is absolutely incredible to use. Simply mix organic neem oil with water in a spray bottle, and that is it. Apply this mix on the Fungus every few days, and it will be gone for good. Neem oil is one of the most useful types of oil to have at home, especially if you grow plants. It always comes in handy, and it can always help you with insects and pests problems with plants.
3.3. Vinegar
In case you haven’t known this yet, vinegar is actually one of the most effective ingredients for this problem. It does not only get rid of mold on your plants and soil but also prevents it from coming back. Simply mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a quart of water in a spray bottle. Then spray it on the infected leaves and stems, and repeat it every few days until there is no more mold.
4. How To Prevent Mold On Plant Soil
After you get rid of the mold, the next thing to do is to make sure that it will not come back again. That way, you can trust that no mold will be able to ruin the beauty of your plants ever again. There are going to be 5 things that you should follow to ensure that the mold is gone for good. All of the approaches are rather simple, so let’s take a look and see what they are with me below.
4.1. Light
No matter if it is artificial light or sunlight, light is a crucial factor in keeping the mold from the plants and soil. Position your plants in areas with bright but indirect sunlight for the best and fastest results possible. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and kill the plants, so make sure to avoid that. Low light conditions can lead to yellow leaves, and that is not pretty. The best location is an area near the window where the light can shine in but not direct.
4.2. Proper Watering
As you have seen above, overwatering is one of the main causes of mold in plant soil. This is why you should have a proper watering schedule for your plants to ensure the healthiest soil possible. Normally, indoor plants don’t require daily watering like other outdoor plants that you grow. It should be once a week or once every two weeks, depending on the types of plants that you grow. With proper watering and soil drainage, you can trust that mold will not appear on the plant or soil at all.
4.3. Remove Debris
Sometimes there are dead leaves, dirt, and dust on the soil, and you should regularly remove them. This debris can be the cause of mold to grow on the soil, and you don’t want that. So when the leaves start to fall from the plants, you should always remove them right away. At the same time, you should also trim dead parts of the plants as well. This is to ensure that there is nothing on the soil that can encourage the mold to grow.
4.4. Ventilation
Stuffy areas are so ideal for mold, and this is why ventilation can prevent mold from building up. Open the window and let the air in, and avoid leaving your plants in a sultry area for too long. You can also use a fan on a low setting so that the airborne particles can circulate around the plant freely. Proper ventilation is very crucial to the growth of the plant, not just for getting rid of the mold. So make sure to provide your plants with the air and oxygen that they need to survive.
Final Words
Mold on plant soil is never a pleasant sight to see because it affects both the appearance and health of the plants. With the causes and solutions above, I hope that mold will not be an issue that you should be concerned about anymore. Not to mention that all the methods are quite easy and simple, getting rid of mold on plant soil is way easier than you think.