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Causes and Elimination

What Prevents Mold in Houseplant Containers

If mold forms in the flower pot, there are certain causes that need to be eliminated
If mold forms in a flower pot, there are certain causes that need to be eliminated Photo: Franka Kruse-Gering / myHOMEBOOK

December 13, 2024, 2:21 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

A white layer on the soil in the flower pot is never a good sign. It is either deposits or, in the worst case, mold. Especially in rooms with high humidity, the soil in the pot tends to get moldy. You can find out how to properly remove and prevent mold in this article.

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If houseplants are watered with hard, i.e., calcareous water, limescale residue may form on the soil in the flower pot. This appears in the form of a hard, crumbly, white layer that can be easily scraped off. If, on the other hand, the white layer appears soft and fluffy, it is mold. Rapid intervention is important here, as the mold spores can also be released into the room air. myHOMEBOOK explains how mold develops in the flower pots of houseplants and how to get rid of it.

How Do You Remove Mold From the Flower Pots of Indoor Plants?

To remove mold from flower pots correctly, proceed as follows:

  1. First, you should place the pot outside so that the spores cannot spread further into the room.
  2. The next step is to pot out the plant. The old soil can be disposed of as residual waste. You should do this thoroughly and wear gloves.
  3. The pot should then be cleaned very thoroughly with a brush and a mixture of vinegar and water to kill the spores. This requires vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:4. Note: If the mold infestation is severe, it is advisable to dispose of the pot.
  4. The plant should also be thoroughly rinsed so that no mold spores adhere to it.
  5. The plant can then be replanted with fresh soil. Soil with a high mineral content is best for this. You should also make sure there are enough drainage holes to prevent waterlogging in the pot.

Important: If you notice waterlogging in the pot when planting out, you should allow the plant to dry out before replanting it. It is important to loosen the soil when you put the plant back in the pot so that it can aerate.

Where Does Mold in Flower Pots Come from?

Waterlogging is the right keyword when it comes to the causes of mold in flower pots. Watering too much encourages mold growth on and in the potting soil. This is further encouraged if the soil is of poor quality or no longer nutrient-rich enough. Soil with a high humus content is also often susceptible.

How Can You Prevent Mold in Potting Soil?

The risk of mold growth can be limited if the right amount of water is used when watering. After all, too much water is usually worse for the plants than too little. You should also ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. This can consist of expanded clay, gravel, or pebbles. It is also advisable to use high-quality soil.

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When Should You Dispose of an Infected Plant?

If the mold continues to spread in the flower pot despite all measures, the plant must be disposed of. The same applies to the flower pot, as the mold has also settled in it. Note: Do not throw the plant into the compost, as the mold spores could multiply there. The plant must be disposed of with household waste.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

Topics Houseplants Schimmel
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