How to remove fungi from indoor plants

Phytophthora

Phytophthora fungus on a bromeliad.

Fungi are one of the microorganisms that cause the most damage to plants, and one of the most difficult to eradicate. In fact, when they are detected, it is usually because they have already infected the entire root system, causing it to become necrotic, and of course, recovering diseased plants is practically impossible. So much so that the most effective treatment is prevention, since preventing them is relatively easy.

At home we can do several things so that our pots continue to look beautiful, and also some others to try to eliminate these fungal beings. Let's see how to remove fungi from indoor plants.

How to remove fungi from indoor plants

Identify the fungus that has infected your plant

Not all fungi produce the same symptoms, so the treatment will be different. Those that affect plants are:

Mildew

Mildew

Also called gray mold or gray powder, it is a fungus that, in addition to staying on the surface, it enters the tissues of leaves, stems and fruits, where that whitish gray dust appears that you can see in the picture.

Treatment consists of cutting the affected parts and treat the plant with Fosetil-Al.

Roya

Roya

Rust is a fungus that causes the appearance of orange bumps on the underside of the leaves and stems. Yellowish spots appear on the beam.

The treatment consists of treat the plant with Oxycarboxin, but to be really effective, it must be applied as soon as the first symptoms are seen.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungus that produces almost the same symptoms as mildew, but unlike it, it only remains on the surface of the leaves.

Treatment consists of removing the affected parts, and in apply Fosetyl-Al.

Phytophthora

Phytophthora

The phytophthora fungus is one of those that most infects seedlings, conifers, and in general all types of plants. AtHere the root system first and then continues advancing through the stem until it reaches the leaves.

The treatment consists of apply Fosetyl-Al as soon as the first symptoms appear.

Botrytis

botrytits

Botrytis is a fungus that produces a greyish mold on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits. Enters the plant through wounds.

Treatment consists of apply Captán on the leaves.

How to prevent fungi

As we mentioned at the beginning, when it comes to fungi, there is nothing better than prevention. These fungal tenants multiply so rapidly that by the time we find out that the plant is diseased, it is often too late. But, as curious as it may seem, preventing our beloved pots from having this problem is relatively simple. Relatively, yes.

Control irrigation

Watering can

These microorganisms thrive in humid and warm environments, so if we water excessively a plant will weaken and the fungus will infect it. What happen? That irrigation is one of the things that is most difficult to master, so when in doubt it is always better not to water ... or, better yet, check the humidity of the substrate, like this:

  • Insert a thin wooden stick all the way in and then pull it out to see how much dirt has adhered to it: if it has come out practically clean, it is because it is dry.
  • Take the pot as soon as you water it and after a few days: and memorize more or less the weight you have in each of the situations.
  • Use a moisture meter: to be 100% reliable, it is important to insert it on different sides.

Also, you should know that never wet the leaves or flowers, just the substrate.

Use a substrate with good drainage

Just as important as giving plants to drink is make sure excess water will come out and not be in contact with the roots. Therefore, it is advisable to use a suitable substrate for each type of plant, and also if we have put a plate underneath it must be removed 15 minutes after having watered.

Put your plant in an area where there is good ventilation

Houseplant

Fungi do not live well in ventilated areas, so they can be avoided and / or controlled by placing the plant in a room that is well ventilated. But beware it has to be protected from drafts such as those produced by the fan, the air conditioning or even people passing very close to itotherwise its blades could be damaged.

I hope these tips help you to eliminate and prevent fungi on your plants 🙂.


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