--- title: "I have terracotta pots that have some stain or discoloration but I’ve…" description: "I have terracotta pots that have some stain or discoloration but I’ve not seen this! Should I be worried? How do I clean it or what? It looks like fuzz. Thank…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/657a4ebc5b70862387eaccfe" community: "Anything about plants" author: "Rhona" published: "2023-12-14T00:39:24.671Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gF7ig8Yfg4XBQWjVQtXtPQ1sA8MxysvUi8aI3Q6ZZQ/8337a8fe33744c7986095ccde187ef50.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md) # I have terracotta pots that have some stain or discoloration but I’ve… _Posted by Rhona on 2023-12-14_ I have terracotta pots that have some stain or discoloration but I’ve not seen this! Should I be worried? How do I clean it or what? It looks like fuzz. Thank you so much. ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gF7ig8Yfg4XBQWjVQtXtPQ1sA8MxysvUi8aI3Q6ZZQ/8337a8fe33744c7986095ccde187ef50.webp?size=large) ## 7 comments ### tree muncher 27 ★ commented on 2023-12-14 That’s mold. I would remove the plant from the pot and spray the pot down with hydrogen peroxide, 12% concentration if you can get it. It kills mold. Spray the pot outside and wear a mask while dealing with the mold to minimize any safety risk. Good luck! #### Rhona replied on 2023-12-14 Thank you so much for the info. So I am going to ask both these questions then. what if I do nothing? Can it damage my plant? Or can it hurt something if I do nothing about it? #### tree muncher 27 ★ replied on 2023-12-14 No problem! I’m not sure what the mold will do to the plant, but having mold in your home is bad for your health and it could end up spreading. ### John3of3 commented on 2023-12-14 It sounds like the terracotta pot is developing a type of mold or fungus, which commonly occurs on porous surfaces when they are exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Here's how you can clean the terracotta pot: 1\. \*\*Brush off the white fuzz:\*\* Use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush or a paintbrush, to gently remove the white fuzz from the surface of the pot. Be careful not to inhale the spores, as some molds can be harmful if inhaled. 2\. \*\*Prepare a cleaning solution:\*\* Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. The acidity of the vinegar helps to kill mold and mildew. 3\. \*\*Scrub the pot:\*\* Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the affected areas of the terracotta pot. Be thorough, and make sure to get into any crevices or textured areas where mold may be hiding. 4\. \*\*Rinse and dry:\*\* Once you've scrubbed the pot, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar solution. Then allow the pot to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, preferably in sunlight. 5\. \*\*Prevent future growth:\*\* After cleaning, consider applying a fungicidal solution or a sealer designed for terracotta pots to help prevent future mold growth. Additionally, ensure that the pot is not left in a damp environment, and avoid overwatering your plants. By following these steps, you should be able to effectively clean the terracotta pot and prevent the regrowth of the white fuzz. #### Rhona replied on 2023-12-14 Thank you so much for the info. Like I answered in the previous person’s response, what if I do nothing about it? What if I don’t clean it? Can it damage my plant? #### GreenLeaf replied on 2023-12-14 You’re plant will be fine. I get this on my terracotta because of the moisture, and I just regularly (once a weekish) wipe them down with a damp cloth and it keeps the mold away. #### John3of3 replied on 2023-12-14 Ignoring the white fuzz on your terracotta pot could have several negative consequences. Here are a few reasons why it's important to address the issue: 1\. \*\*Plant health:\*\* Mold and fungi can have a negative impact on the health of the plants growing in the pot. They can compete with the plant for nutrients and moisture, potentially weakening or damaging the plant. 2\. \*\*Aesthetics:\*\* The presence of mold or fungus can be unsightly and detract from the appearance of the pot and the plants it contains. 3\. \*\*Spread of mold:\*\* If left unchecked, the mold or fungus can spread to other areas, pots, or plants in the vicinity. This could create a larger problem that's more difficult to address. 4\. \*\*Health concerns:\*\* Some molds can produce allergens, irritants, and even toxic substances. Ignoring the issue may lead to increased exposure to these substances, potentially causing health issues for those in the vicinity. Overall, it's best to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications and ensure the health and well-being of your plants. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_