How to get rid of fuzzy mold and mildew on your plant soil?
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If you are reading this article, there are chances that you woke up to fuzzy mold growth on your plant soil. Just like any other living being, plants also need protection from potential health issues. Mold has the potential to cause damage to plant growth and even cause plant diseases in some cases.
While not all molds can cause plant damage, some have the potential to do so. Furthermore, the presence of molds indicates that there might be an outbreak of the dangerous molds.
Whether you have planted your plants in containers in the room or the soil in your garden, they are equally prone to mold attack because molds can grow both indoor and outdoor. If your urban garden is under mold infestation, take immediate steps to prevent the loss that may occur in near future.
What are molds, and how do they affect plants?
Molds are microorganisms originating from the fungal kingdom. Mold and mildew have a fuzzy, powdery, and mushy appearance. White mold is the most common mold to attack plants. According to expert botanists and horticulturalists, white mold is not damaging to the plants on its own. The presence of white molds is still an indicator that the conditions are ideal for the growth of other mold colonies like fungal mycelia. Molds propagate in humid environments with the optimum exposure to dampness, darkness, and warmth. If your plants undergo exposure to these conditions, there is potential for mold growth on the plant soil.
Such mold growth cannot only damage the plants, but also the inhabitants of your apartment. Mold infection is airborne; thus, allowing the spread of mold spores in the surroundings. These spores contain mycotoxins that have the potential to cause detrimental respiratory difficulties. It is always safer to prevent you and your loved ones from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
It is also essential to understand that farmers and gardeners often endorse symbiotic relations among microorganisms, insects, and plants. However, mold can never be a friend to your plant or the property. Mold can also damage the air quality of your property and make everyone living in the household prone to health difficulties.
What are the primary causes of mold attacks on your plants?
Some of the few factors that can support mold growth are humidity, moisture, dampness, darkness, and uncleanliness. Unfortunately, all these conditions are conveniently available in the plant garden or plant container. The indoor plants have the perfect moisture and humidity, allowing convenient growth of the mold attack. A critical cause can be over-watering the plants.
When more water enters your plant it has no space to drain the excessive water. It provides the moisture for mold growth. Decomposing leaves can also help in mold growth. Molds feed on decomposing plants, and they help them propel more spores into the atmosphere. Lastly, lack of exposure to the sun and external air can also induce mold development.
How to get rid of molds from your plants?
- Exposure to the sun: The first thing you can do for your plant is bringing it under normal conditions. Exposure to the sun undergoes compromise in indoor plants. However, plants design is such to get sunlight and maintain a healthy photosynthesis process. Try giving your plants exposure to the sun to prevent darkness and humidity in the plant soils.
- Proper drainage system: There must be an adequate drainage system. First, try to water your plants as per the requirement. Secondly, excess water must not stand in the container because it can create mold-growth conditions. There are many porous pots available in the market that remove the excess moisture in the soil through their tiny pores.
- No excessive watering: As stated earlier, extra watering can lead to moisture and dampness. Prevent the condition by watering your plants as per the general requirements. Watering too much can make the roots weak, induce wetness, and lead to mold growth.
- Cleaning the white mold: If white mold appears on your plant, scrub it off the plant soil. In most cases, white mold is removable without any expert supervision. However, you must wear a mask, gloves, and goggles to prevent inhaling molds.
- Landscape rocks: Landscape rocks are an effective means of removing extra water from staying into the pots. We adjust these rocks under the containers, and it will help get rid of water from seeping into the plant soil.
- Fungicides: In most cases, fungicides can also work for mold remediation. However, it is always safer to seek professional guidance before using any fungicide. It is essential because fungicides may have variable impacts on different fungal infections. You must know the type of mold and its suitable fungicide to treat it better and more efficiently.
- Professional help: Last but never least, you can seek professional help. Mold remediation services are an integral part of the mold remediation process. Professionals with years of mold removal experience can provide sustainable, long-lived solutions.