In nature, white mold lives everywhere on plants and their leaves. This is caused by fungi that nest on dying substances with an organic origin. In healthy and still living plants, however, mold formation can lead to damage and also makes an unsightly impression. If mold spreads in indoor plants, then caution is advised, as the mold spores are distributed in the room air. In this way, the spores can damage the health of residents through inhalation.
Causes of the mold growth
When plants are affected by mold, a whitish layer forms on the leaves. Excessive humidity and waterlogging in the earth are often to blame for mold growth. In this case, the mold spores spread like a net over the soil in the garden and also attack the plant leaves. Especially during cool autumn days, when the weather is too humid, there is increased mold growth. If the sun hides behind clouds for the whole day, the soil cannot dry out sufficiently and the mold finds perfect conditions.
- Mold spores need a certain climate to spread
- Lukewarm weather with high humidity is ideal
- Prefers cloudy weather conditions
- Different types of mold can be found in home gardens and flower pots
- Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium are particularly common
- Dirty garden tools can lead to an increased spread
Mold in the garden
As usual, mold growth in the garden is normal and to be expected. The mold spores settle especially in organic substances when they die. Molds thus make a significant contribution to a functioning ecosystem that can supply and dispose of itself. This allows the nutrients of the dead plants in the
Pass over the soil and guarantee sufficient mineralization. However, mold is not only found on dying plants and on the compost heap, it also affects healthy shoots and nests in the ground. If healthy and still young plants develop white mold on the leaves, countermeasures must be taken promptly.- Mold occurs particularly in shady and cool, damp locations
- Plants under deep-growing trees are particularly affected
- Dying plants in the neighborhood support mold growth
- Excessive mold growth can lead to the death of garden plants
- Always disinfect all garden tools with alcohol before and after use
Mold on house plants
Mold spores feel particularly good on indoor plants if they are only cultivated in living rooms. There are ideal growing conditions for mold cultures indoors. In nature, extreme temperature fluctuations and strong sunlight ensure natural control. In contrast, mold finds the desired temperatures and conditions in the living room at home, comfortably warm and humid. In this context, excessive moistening of the potted plant plays an essential role in the further spread of mold.
- Permanently moist soil leads to mold growth in indoor plants
- Falling and rotting leaves provide perfect living conditions
- Proximity to the radiator guarantees warm conditions
- Often there is not enough ventilation
- Human vapors increase the humidity
Tip: For people with allergies to mold and with serious illnesses, it is advisable not to use potted plants in living spaces.
mildew
Powdery mildew is a stubborn mold,
- Can be combated by spraying with tinctures
- A broth made from horsetail has proven itself
- Garlic stock and tansy tea are also helpful
- Milk and whey also have beneficial properties
- Spray on a rain-free and dry day
- Apply directly to the affected areas
- Repeat the treatment regularly until the mold disappears
Gray mold
If the plant is infected with gray mold, a gray and velvety coating covers the affected leaves. All plant species with soft leaves are particularly susceptible to this mold. As a rule, gray mold usually forms on damaged and dead parts of plants. If water collects permanently on the leaves and cannot dry off quickly, then mold growth is promoted. In addition, excessive nitrogen fertilization supports the development of gray mold.
- Avoid excessive and frequent spraying of the leaves
- Cut off infected leaves and stems
- Treat with fungicide
- If the infestation is extremely advanced, dispose of the entire plant
Combat
If mold settles on plant leaves, it should be removed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the mold spores can lead to health problems for the residents when it comes to indoor plants. In extreme cases, it can spread from the potted plants to the surrounding ceilings and walls. However, excessive mold infestation can also be harmful in the garden and lead to the death of healthy plants. It is also a danger to playing children and frolicking pets. If the mold spreads to the leaves of the plant, then the soil is usually also infested.
- Remove mold-infected and already rotting leaves from household waste
- Remove rubbish from the apartment immediately
- Spores are incessantly spreading through the air
- Repot the affected plant as soon as possible
- Fill the planter with new, high-quality potting soil
- Ventilate living spaces regularly and for longer
- Place affected houseplants on the windowsill in the sun
- If available, take it out on the balcony for some time in warm weather
Tip: If the mold growth on the leaves quickly recurs after the countermeasures, then it does not seem to be able to be completely removed. In this case, a complete disposal of the affected plants is recommended.
Prevent
So that the plants in the garden and living rooms can enjoy a long lifespan, the formation of mold should be prevented in the long term. Various microorganisms and fungi are naturally found in the earth; in a healthy ecosystem, these regulate themselves. If, however, mistakes creep in in the care and the site conditions are not right, then there is excessive mold growth. Excessive mold growth is to be expected, especially in autumn and spring. For this reason, the plants should be checked regularly for mold at this time of year. If mold grows on the leaves, they should be removed immediately.
- Water sparingly, never overdo it
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
- Create drainage, both in the garden and in the flower pot
- In this way, excess water can always run off
- Cover the drainage hole in the flower pot with a pottery shard
- Lay a layer of gravel loosely on top and cover with earth
- Let the earth's surface dry out completely every now and then
- Repot houseplants every spring
Conclusion
The occurrence of white mold is a completely natural process in nature that normally regulates itself. In the garden, however, incorrect location conditions and long rainy days can lead to perfect conditions for excessive mold growth on the leaves. If this gets out of hand, the whole plant can even die. Countermeasures must therefore be taken immediately. The rotting parts of the plant are to be removed directly, not on the compost heap, but in the household waste. Mold spores are extremely fine and very light, they spread through the air with a gentle breeze. In houseplants, persistent waterlogging often causes mold to form on the leaves. In this case, reducing the number of casting units and creating a drainage system will help. When using tools, make sure that they are disinfected beforehand and finally with alcohol. In this way the risk of transmission is reduced. A white and flour-like coating is an indication of powdery mildew, which can be combated by spraying natural home remedies. If the coating is rather gray, then it is gray mold, which is often difficult to remove completely. If the mold infestation is extremely widespread, the last remedy is often to remove the entire plant.
