Hi everyone, Does anyone else have problems with mold growing on top of their soil? What can I do to prevent this? I have googled it before and it told me to add cinnamon to the top soil. I’ve done that but mold still comes back. Any advice helps. Sincerely, So tired of scraping off mold.
I haven’t tried this, but heard about it. If you use very dense soil or compost, it’s good outside, but gets moldy inside. Ways to combat this is to monitor if you’re over watering, mix in perlite, and put pebbles under your pot for drainage.
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There’s a lot of people with this problem and this is my response from another thread: “I use Mollys Aroid Mix and Sol Soils Chunky mix primarily. I will typically add more perlite to it also. Bottom-watering and not getting the topsoil wet will also help the soil dry out faster. I have one plant that got mold on it that was large enough to me to scrape out the moldy soil and replace it with about 2 inches of rock (i used pon since that’s what i had on hand). you can also use LECA or other rocky “soils”.”
Thank you both! I’ll be buying perlite tomorrow!
1 like To prevent mold, Arbor sells a fungicide in a little purple bottle you can mix with your normal watering water. It helps in preventing it, but it is not a cure for when it is already out of hand.
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Are you using a Neem pest spray or Mosquito Bits? That's how I got mold. I'm using different pest control methods now & pretty much put some top cover (LECA, pebbles, lava rocks, vermiculite, dry spaghnum -depending on plant) on every plant which addresses both pest eggs & reduces surface moisture that mold needs.
3 likes I am! I have a neem spray. I’ll stop this immediately. I’ll look up those other things you mentioned. I’m willing to try anything!
1 like i started using MicrobeLift BMC2 which is a liquid you add to the water you use on plants. Kills any larvae growing in plant. I also am adding systemic granules to new plants which repels most insects as it gets into new growth in the plant & makes it inhospitable.
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Neem oil is a good natural pesticide. I would continue using it. I’ve never gotten mold from neem oil or mosquito bits. I have over 200 plants in a high humidity zone 9 area. Mold (Fungus) grows easily on continuously moist soil especially soil with rich organic matter like peat moss. Low air circulation and low light can contribute to the growth. Higher temperatures can increase the chance of growth. A commercial fungicide can kill the mold. Changing the soil to one with better drainage (include coco coir, orchid bark, perlite), letting the soil dry down or dry out between watering and increasing air circulation around the plants can decrease the likelihood of growing mold. 🪴🍀
2 likes Thank you so much!
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You can also do a 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted mix, and spray the top of the soil. The mold goes away, and it helps with pest control.
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