If plant owners discover white spots on the potting soil of their houseplants, it doesn't have to be mold. Read here how to distinguish between mold and lime, what you can do if an infestation occurs and how you can protect your plants preventively.
Is that mold or lime on my potting soil?
You can recognize mold on potting soil by a whitish coating that spreads out fluffy on the soil. The earth also smells damp and musty. You can recognizelimestoneby a rathercrumbly and dry structure. Calcified earth does not smell unpleasant.
What can I do if there is mold on the potting soil?
If you discover mold on your potting soil, you should act quickly. The mold can also harm your own he alth. FreeRemove the affectedplant from the soil and dispose of it with household waste. Rinse the pot ball under running water as the spores burrow deep into the soil. Now carefully place the plant in good, fresh soil and a clean pot. To prevent further mold infestation, you can also sprinkle the root ball with a teaspoon of sulfur.
How do I prevent mold on the potting soil?
If the surface of the earth is constantly moist, mold will spread quickly. Make sure that thetop layer of soil can dry out, but that the soil two to three centimeters deep remains moist in order to adequately supply the plant. Water only once a week if the plant's needs permit. When buying, pay attention to good potting soil, as mold spores are often found in cheap potting soil. Mix clay granules or expanded clay into the potting soil and ensure good drainage.
What causes limescale to form in the potting soil?
Limescale deposits/link] can be found on plants that are often watered with verycalcareous irrigation water. The lime settles on the surface of the earth and accumulates further through constant watering with more calcareous water. For example, if the plant is on the windowsill above a heater, the residue in the flower pot will become visible as it dries.
How to combat limescale on the potting soil?
Lime on potting soil is not harmful to most plants. You can simply scrape off the white layer and add fresh soil. As a preventative measure, you can water with rainwater orcalcium-free water.
Tip
These are white balls on the potting soil
Good, fresh potting soil contains small white balls that look like small Styrofoam balls. These are perlites made from volcanic rock. They are a quality feature of good soil. They store water particularly well and loosen the soil. The perlites consist of loose rock that is formed through long-term weathering. For use in potting soil, it is heated strongly so that it expands.
