Not all sources of mold
inside your home are accidental. Some are brought into the house, fed and
watered, then thrive right under your nose. This contamination frequently
affects houseplants and/or the potting soil where they grow. Mold flourishes
anywhere there's food and moisture along with a hospitable temperature. Soil
inside the pot often accumulates mold-friendly nutrients provided by decaying
leaves and other organic matter. Meanwhile, the regular watering provided by
homeowners typically makes the pot a hospitable environment for mold growth.
Active mold contamination spreads throughout a house by releasing microscopic airborne spores. When inhaled, spores may
produce a range of allergic symptoms and even chronic illness in susceptible
individuals. Here are some steps to eliminate mold from the houseplants.
- Wipe it off. Use a moist paper towel and, while supporting the stems with your fingers so you don't break them, gently wipe down the plant leaves to remove any surface mold. Also wipe the stalk of the plant.
- Take the plant outdoors and spray it with a consumer-grade fungicide formulated to kill mold. You can get advice from a garden center about which type of fungicide should be utilized for specific plants. Manufacturer's info on the product label also typically provides a list of plants that are safe to spray.
- Before bringing the plant back into the house, scoop out the top layer of potting soil in the pot, going as deep as possible without damaging roots. Replace this soil with fresh potting soil that is labeled as “sterilized” to kill mold during production.
- Don't over-water houseplants as excess moisture triggers mold contamination. Consult reputable sources for information about how often and how much watering is sufficient for a particular plant type.
- Ultraviolet light present in sunshine is an effective natural mold-killer. Make sure your plants receive the recommended adequate daily sun exposure per the specific type.
- Mold prefers a stagnant environment to grow. Place plants in areas where air circulation is adequate.
