Why does mold grow on plants

It will also grow on different parts of your houseplant, such as the stems. Mildew can travel to the soil as well. Mold can affect any houseplant, as can mildew. Once mold develops due to lack of proper light it compounds the issue and diminishes the plants growth even further.

If you read this blog regularly, then you know that sunlight is the best source of light for your plants. How much sun a plant needs and from which angle such a southernly or easterly-facing window varies depending on the houseplant species in question.

Have one or both these light sources available to combat mold. What is the ventilation like in your home or office? A proper ventilation system lets clean air enter and travel throughout a space to restrict the spread of allergens and viruses.

These include a buildup of heat that takes a while to dissipate. Odors might linger for longer than seems appropriate. If your home or office has the above signs of poor ventilation, then mold will surely follow. Not only will this affect your houseplants, but likely also fabrics, wooden surfaces, walls, and floors.

The reason ventilation leads to mold is that when moisture develops in a room, the lack of ventilation does not disperse that moisture. Instead, it sits and sits, collecting and creating a hotbed for not only mold, but mildew too. Almost all indoor gardeners have been guilty of feeding their houseplants too much water at some point, but you live and you learn.

Overwatering is dangerous for your houseplant in a variety of ways. First, it can lead to root rot, a plant disease that occurs when water oversaturates the roots, killing them slowly yet surely.

Second, overwatering also creates a perfect home for mold, as now the bacteria has a deep, dark, wet place. Inadequate drainage is just as damaging to your houseplant, as it invites mold. When water gets trapped in pockets of soil within your plant, again, root rot can take hold.

Always check your houseplant pots or containers before you get your plant settled in. The pot or container should have drainage holes that are big enough for water to flow out. But what happens when you're dealing with a more complicated potted houseplant issue, like mold growth?

While it might not seem like a big deal, it can be problematic for people with allergies or a hazard to your other plants. But don't panic just yet—there's an easy fix. Here's how to handle moldy houseplants, according to Dubow. Start by isolating your plant, since mold can quickly spread from one pot to another. Then, in a well-ventilated area, scrape away the top few inches of soil.

If the mold is relatively new, that should do the trick. Before you repot the plant, clean the inside of the container with a squeeze of dish detergent, a sprinkle of baking soda , and water. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to scrape mold off the inside of the pot.

Learn how to prevent mold in your home. We have the training and certificates necessary to achieve proper mold removal so that you can enjoy a healthy home again. So, for professional mold removal services, contact PuroClean today. Follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on LinkedIn. Find us on Instagram. Find us on Pinterest. See our YouTube channel.

Read the tips below to find out how to prevent and remove mold in houseplant soil and on plants: How to prevent mold in houseplant soil Use healthy and sterile soil for all newly acquired plants or when changing the soil.

Consider using commercial potting soil, which contains plenty of nutrients for your houseplants. Avoid overwatering plants. Mold thrives in moist conditions, so too much water will help mold spores to develop.