You put a lot of effort into caring for your plants, you make sure they are not missing water, you even plan to water them routinely, before spending days away from home or when you return after a few days away. You pamper your garden to the max, with all the love in the world, making sure that your little floral miracles do not lack a single nutrient and, suddenly, you notice that their soil is being invaded by an uncontrollable blanket of mold. You put your hands on your head and think the worst: yes, the danger of something bad happening to your plants is real.How to remove mold from plant soilIs it possible to get it?
After your immense scare, we will tell you that yes, you can get rid of this green stuff that mercilessly invades the land where your favourite plants are struggling to survive. Precisely those that you planted and cared for with so much enthusiasm. How unfair! Well, we know it's not easy, but you could have prevented that terrible greenish or whitish layer from appearing. However, sometimes, no matter how much care you put in, it eventually comes out.
Why does mold appear on the soil of plants?
Before the alarms go off, let us tell you that the mold in flower pots This is one of the most common problems among those of us who care for any plant species. So, calm down, it happens to all of us or has happened to us at some point! But just because avoiding it is complicated doesn't mean we should give up. The further away you keep humidity and fungi from a place, the better for you and your plants.
It should be noted that mold is naturally present. It is a fungus that is in the substrate we use for our plants, but in certain situations, this mold begins to grow, invading the entire space. That is when it becomes a problem.
El mold appears on the soil of plants When combined with the humidity with the heat and a excessive watering or a poorly drained pot that accumulates water, heat and lack of ventilation will cause fungi to develop.
Another risk factor is the fall of dead leavesWhen these begin to decompose, they create a favorable environment, increasing the humidity in the space and attracting fungi. Therefore, as soon as you see fallen leaves you will have to remove them immediately.
Is mold dangerous for your plants?
Mold is not healthy for plants or the environment, and can even harm people's health, especially when the plants on which mold appears are indoors.
Starting with the plants themselves, fungi are living beings that feed on the nutrients present in the pot, so their uncontrolled growth can deprive the plant of its food.
Yes, you have this pot inside your home and, in fact, mold appears more in indoor plants, because they proliferate when there is not enough ventilation, the fungus pollutes the environment. It is very harmful especially for those who suffer from respiratory problems and exposes us to suffer from them.
Can I prevent mold from appearing in the soil of my plants?
Not only can you, but you “must” prevent the appearance of moldTo control it, ensure sufficient ventilation and good drainage, avoid the accumulation of moisture in the soil and eliminate any organic remains, meaning dry leaves and other dead matter that serves as food for the fungus.
Pruning the plant It will prevent the mold from spreading to the roots of the plant when the fungus grows.
In winter, ventilate a lot spaces so that mould does not grow. And in summer, be careful with excessive heat. If you add humidity to the heat, you have the perfect breeding ground for mould.
How to remove mold from plant soil
If it's already too late and you're reading this because your plant is covered in mold, you can remove this fungus from the ground as follows: using gloves and a shovel, remove the clump manually. It is usually located on the top of the ground. It will be enough to remove this part.
If the soil is heavily invaded by mold, it will be necessary change the pot and put new soil leaving the plant clean.
If the fungus is only a thin layer on the surface, there is still a solution. Take the plant outside so that the air and sun can kill the mold.
Has the mold reached the leaves? Then you have to resort to more active and drastic remedies. Make a mixture with sodium bicarbonate, water and oil or soap. Spray the plant's leaves with this substance to clean them of mold. If you spray once a week, you will see results soon.
Identify the mushroom well
Listen, the white thing you see on the soil of your flower pots is often not a fungus and is simply due to the lime build-up, for example, when you water. It usually happens when you water using tap water, if there is a lot of lime in your area. Very lime-rich water damages appliances such as irons, coffee makers, dishwashers and washing machines. It is not surprising that you have had more than one problem in this regard.
Removing that white blanket from the soil in your pots will be as easy as stopping watering with tap water and using bottled water, which is cleaner and lime-free. You can also use distilled water and even rainwater, collecting it in buckets when it rains.
Remember that there are natural fungicides that can be very good for plants and will help eliminate fungi from the soil. For example, nettle or horsetail infusion.
It will depend on the degree of integration that the mold has in the plant. If it is just appearing, you can remove it quickly. If, on the other hand, the layer has spread to deeper layers of the soil or reached the root or the plant, the situation is more complex. In any case, it can be solved by knowing How to remove mold from plant soil.