Fungus-Infested Garden Dirt: Root Causes and Essential Precautions
Mould growth in houseplant soil can be a common issue, but with the right strategies, it can be effectively managed. Here are some key ways to prevent and treat mould growth in your beloved indoor plants.
Firstly, watering practices play a crucial role. Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering since excess moisture encourages mould growth. Use well-draining potting mixes with materials like perlite or sand to prevent water pooling, and always use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Improving air circulation is another essential strategy. Spacing plants apart and ensuring adequate light exposure reduces humidity that promotes mould growth. Bottom watering—adding water to the saucer so plants soak it up from below—helps prevent oversaturation and mould by allowing plants to take up only the water they need and discarding excess. Regularly check soil moisture before watering again to prevent excessive dampness.
If mould appears, reducing watering and improving airflow can help treat it. Repotting with fresh, well-draining soil and removing moldy top layers of soil may also be necessary. In high-humidity areas like bathrooms, keeping moisture low is crucial, and even certain houseplants that absorb moisture, like Boston ferns, may assist in reducing ambient mould risk.
In addition, ensuring your plants receive sufficient sunlight is vital. Rotate plants for equal sunlight exposure and place them in a sunny spot or near a window to increase sunlight exposure and reduce soil moisture. Overcrowding plants can contribute to poor air circulation and increase humidity, so space out plants to reduce the risk of mould growth due to poor air circulation and increased humidity.
Lastly, maintaining good soil drainage is essential. Adding a porous material such as shredded bark or peat moss to your potting mix improves drainage. If you suspect that excess moisture in soil due to lack of sunlight is encouraging mould growth, gently scrape off the top layer of soil with a spoon or small tool, amend the soil with plain peat moss, or repot in a better potting mix.
Applying natural fungicides such as cinnamon, neem oil, baking soda and water mixture can also help prevent and treat mould growth. Remember, the combined approaches address the core causes of mould: excess moisture, poor drainage, and stagnant air.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your houseplants healthy and mould-free, ensuring they continue to thrive and bring life to your home.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Prevent and Treat Mold in Houseplant Soil. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/houseplant-problems/mold-in-houseplants.htm
[2] HGTV. (2021). How to Get Rid of Mold in Potted Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoors/gardening/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-in-potted-plants
[3] The Spruce. (2021). How to Get Rid of Mold on Indoor Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-on-indoor-plants-1411045
[4] The Spruce. (2021). How to Grow Boston Ferns. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-boston-ferns-1411053
To maintain a healthy 'lifestyle' that includes thriving indoor plants, it's essential to adopt good 'home-and-garden' practices such as watering properly, promoting good air circulation, and using well-draining potting mixes. For example, water your plants only when the top inches of soil are dry, and incorporate materials like perlite or sand in your potting mix to prevent water pooling.
