Fuzzy Mold on Plants

You can kill fuzzy mold on indoor houseplants the organic way. It is a safe and effective task that must not be avoided. This particular mold is caused by botrytis fungi which are active in damp, cloudy, and cool weather.

3 Signs Your Plant Has Fuzzy Mold 

1.  Leaf drop
2.  Fuzzy grayish brown growth on flowers and foliage
3.  Wilting or decaying leaves and shoots
4.  Flower buds that fail to open, resulting in rot

You must take measures to eradicate the conditions which are
conducive to the formation of any fungus on your indoor potted
plants. These factors are high temperatures (mid 70°F), high
humidity, darkness, and the food source. 

Sanitation is the first important step

Dust buildup on the leaves forms organic matter that feeds the mold.

It also reduces the ability of the plant to generate the energy it needs through photosynthesis.Remove dead or dying tissue from the plants and from the soil surface.

Keep plants clean by adding a few drops of dish washing liquid in a bowl of
warm water. Dip a sponge or paper towel into the water and use it to clean off any mold that appears on the surfaces of your plants.

Vinegar Mold Killing Recipe

You can use a natural remedy to get rid of indoor houseplant
fuzzy mold by applying a diluted solution of apple cider
vinegar (ACV).

NOTE:  Do not spray solution on African violets.  Treat by cutting off the diseased  leaf at the base of its stem and improve air circulation.

It can be used as a mild fungicide to destroy the fungus. All you have to do is mix  1-2 tbls per gallon of water and spray leaves and potting soil with the solution, being careful not to over-wet the plant.  Then gently remove mold with paper towels and discard. Repeat the next day if necessary.

Tips to Prevent Fungal Diseases on Indoor Plants

Watering: Too much water creates the perfect conditions for
spores to grow on soil. Monitor your soil to see if less frequent watering gets rid of this  problem.  make sure you don't water the leaves of the plants. Water at base level only.

Always make sure there are drainage holes in the pot and pour off the excess water.  Adding a thin layer of gravel to the bottom of the plant for proper water drainage.  Water, then wait until the first 2 to 3 inches of soil are almost all the way dry before you water again.

Many plants do not need daily watering.  keep the potting soil slightly on the dry side; as plants go dormant, as they need less water in winter months.

Ventilation:  Add a ceiling fan to the area where you keep your
plants. The increased air circulation will decrease the
humidity and will help that top layer of soil dry out better.

Also, regularly opening windows or running an air conditioning
or heating system should keep the house environment more
favorable for your plants. Periodically keep the plants outside
for a short period to dry out and get some direct sun.

Potting Soil:  Always use sterilized potting mixture which is
made of pasteurized soil made specifically for houseplants to
avoid any spores. Refresh the soil yearly.  Allow the top 2
inches of your soil to dry out, then use a spoon or small
garden shovel or hand spade to carefully remove the top layer
of soil. Replace it with the sterilized soil.

Temperature:  Maintain moderate temperature and humidity to
avoid chronic dampness, and provide good air circulation to
prevent the kind of environment which is conducive to mold
growth. Next, move the plant to a position for brighter light,
near an eastern or southern window exposure.

Clean the leaves of your indoor plants twice a month by
spraying them with the vinegar solution to kill fuzzy mold and
make them more attractive.

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