How To Eliminate Plant Mildew and Mold

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Both plant mildew and mold are usually manageable problems.

Indoor plants can help purify the air inside any home in Knoxville, TN. However, overwatering, lack of sunlight and poor air circulation can make your plants susceptible to both mold and mildew. While plant mildew and mold may look unsightly, eliminating them is usually less challenging than you might think.

Moldy Leaves

Mold can infiltrate your plant’s leaves. To remedy the situation, follow these steps:

• Take the affected plant outside
• Remove mold with a wet paper towel, taking caution to avoid contaminating other areas of the plant
• Cut off moldy leaves that you cannot easily wipe down
• Spray remaining leaves with a fungicide
• Return the plant to a sunlit area with adequate air circulation

Moldy Soil

Moist soil is also a potential breeding ground for mold. To alleviate the problem, scoop off any soil surface mold. If mold growth is abundant, you may need to replant with fresh potting soil. To avoid recontamination, allow new soil to dry before re-watering the plant.

Moldy Growth

Plant mildew often appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface of leaves. To eliminate this fungus, follow these three steps:

• Wipe contaminated leaves and stems with a paper towel to remove some of the mildew
• Cut off lower infected leaves to reduce the risk of additional mildew growth
• Spray plant with a fungicide, allowing the solution to run off the leaves

To avoid damaging the plant, wait a week to reapply the treatment if the initial spray did not kill all of the mildew.

Beyond Plants

Both plant mildew and mold are usually manageable problems. Neither organism can thrive in dry environments, so reducing excessive moisture is a key prevention strategy for houseplants and your home in general. But if a burst pipe or flood causes significant water damage, don’t hesitate to contact a professional cleanup and restoration team that can help mitigate the risk of mold growth inside your home.