What is this and how do I get rid of it? I only watered this pole once and never did it again due to it being high maintenance. I do however have a humidifier next to it. The last time I watered this and my monstera was a week ago and this showed up. TIA!
That’s mold. You most likely need to remove the pole so that the spores don’t spread, or alternatively spray the whole pole with a mold-killing spray (12% hydrogen peroxide works pretty well). Maybe try a different support structure like a wood plank. It is a bit concerning that mold is growing on the wood above the soil, so maybe get a humidity meter to make sure your humidity isn’t too high.
2 Mi piaceAlso, will the peroxide hurt the plant?
0 Mi piace Yes, 12% undiluted peroxide will harm the plant, so spray the pole away from the plant. To treat the plant’s soil for potential mold, you’ll want to dilute 3% concentration peroxide with 2 parts water to 1 part peroxide. Hope this helps :)
0 Mi piaceThanks! What will happen if it gets out of control?
0 Mi piace I don’t really know much about the effects mold will have on your plant, but having mold in your home can be harmful to your health. If you let the mold stay, it could potentially spread spores around and cause mold elsewhere. The mold on your pole looks minor enough that nothing bad will happen as long as you treat it, although I’m not an expert.
2 Mi piaceUnderstood. Thanks so much!
0 Mi piace No problem :)
0 Mi piace
Biofungicide like Revitalize by Bonide will help control molds in your soil. It also helps the plant build better roots so double bonus. They also make moss poles with plastic spikes so mold can’t infiltrate.
1 mi piaceThanks! Does it matter if I get the spray or just the regular one?
0 Mi piace I drench the soil so I’d go with the liquid one. If you had foliar fungal issues the spray would be ok but for your issue and prevention I’d drench the soil. It’s 1 tsp per gallon so it lasts a while.
1 mi piaceThanks!
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