Strategies for Deterring Mould Growth in Plant Soil: Proven Methods
Indoor plants can often fall victim to mould growth, which can be harmful to both the plants and the surrounding environment. However, with careful management and the right techniques, mould on indoor plant soil can be effectively prevented and treated.
In this article, we'll discuss the key steps to maintaining healthier soil conditions and preventing mould growth.
Watering Practices
Avoid overwatering your indoor plants. Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering creates excess moisture that mould thrives on.
Soil and Drainage
Use a well-draining potting mix, containing materials like perlite or sand, to improve aeration and prevent water pooling. Always use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and keep soil from becoming soggy.
Air Circulation and Light
Space plants apart to avoid trapping humid air between them. Provide adequate light and airflow to prevent mould growth. Poor airflow and high humidity encourage mould growth.
Bottom Watering
Bottom watering is a technique that helps prevent oversaturation by providing water through the pot’s drainage holes. This allows plants to absorb what they need while excess water can be discarded, reducing the risk of mould.
Removing Debris
Promptly clear fallen leaves or plant debris from the soil surface since they can hold moisture and promote mould growth.
Treating Existing Mould
At the first sign of mould, spray affected soil surfaces with a diluted solution. For example, a hydrogen peroxide treatment can be made by mixing about 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 liter of water and misting on the soil. This helps stop mould without harming plants.
Another natural treatment is a grapefruit extract spray, made by mixing 5-10 drops in a cup of water and spraying on mouldy areas.
Soil Storage and Preparation
To prevent mould in stored soil, allow it to dry before storage. You can also use methods like steaming or solarization (heating soil under plastic in sunlight) to kill mould spores before use, but remember to replenish beneficial microbes afterward.
Drying Out the Soil
There are two main methods to dry out the soil in direct sunlight: the Outdoor Sunlight Method and the Indoor Sunlight Method. The Outdoor Sunlight Method involves transferring the plant to a sunny outdoor location, placing it away from other plants to prevent mould spores from spreading. The Indoor Sunlight Method requires carefully removing the plant from its container and spreading the soil out in a brightly lit area indoors.
In the event that mould reappears, consider repeating the drying process or combining it with other mould-prevention techniques, such as improving air circulation, using natural anti-fungals, or repotting the plant with sterile soil.
Removed plant parts should be disposed of away from other plants to prevent further contamination.
By following these steps, you can maintain healthier soil conditions less prone to mould and allow early intervention if mould appears. The most important factors are avoiding excess moisture, improving drainage and air flow, and promptly treating mould to prevent spread.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2019). How to Get Rid of Mold on Indoor Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/problems/mold-on-indoor-plants.htm
[2] The Spruce. (2020). How to Get Rid of Mold on Houseplants. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-on-houseplants-1419427
[3] The Sill. (2020). How to Get Rid of Mold on Houseplants. [online] Available at: https://thesill.com/learn/houseplants/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-on-houseplants
[4] HGTV. (2018). How to Get Rid of Mold on Houseplants. [online] Available at: https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-on-indoor-plants
[5] The Spruce. (2020). How to Store Soil for Indoor Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-soil-for-indoor-plants-1419423
- By employing watering practices such as avoiding overwatering and using the bottom watering technique, one can maintain drier soil conditions that discourage mould growth, thereby contributing to the health-and-wellness of indoor plants.
- In addition to water management, selecting a well-draining potting mix and ensuring proper drainage through CO2-perforated pots helps enhance soil aeration and prevent water logged conditions, which are conducive to mould development within the fitness-and-exercise routines of indoor plants.
- Implementing good indoor plant hygiene practices, such as regularly removing fallen leaves or plant debris, aids in preventing mould growth in the skin-care components of the plants' environment, contributing to a healthier overall ecosystem for the plants and their owner's nutrition.
