A yellow coating on your plants' potting soil can indicate a very toxic mold. You can find out how to recognize it and fight it properly here. You will also receive tips on how to avoid mold on your potting soil.
Is yellow mold in potting soil dangerous?
If you discover yellow mold on the potting soil of your houseplants, it is probably Apergillus flavus. This type of mold isparticularly harmful to he alth and should be professionally removed as quickly as possible. Even for he althy people, the mold spores can cause serious organ damage when inhaled.
How do I recognize yellow mold on potting soil?
Yellow mold is visible on the surface of the potting soil. Sometimes it canalso appear ocher to brownishor even greenish-yellow. The mold is usually visible in coherent layers on the surface of the earth and appears soft with fine hairs. The spores of Apergillus flavus can be found in all soils. Starchy grains, corn and peanuts are particularly affected. This type of mold not only affects potting soil, but also damp walls and upholstered furniture.
What do I have to consider when fighting mold on potting soil?
Yellow mold on the potting soil must be removed as quickly as possible. Be sure to wearGlovesand aRespirator maskduring treatment to protect yourself. In addition, people who are particularly at risk (e.g. asthmatics or allergy sufferers) should avoid this work. Remove the mold growth with the window open or in the fresh air. If there is mold growth on walls and furniture, you can use a suitable mold remover. However, under no circumstances should you spray this onto your potting soil. This would cause lasting damage to your plant.
How do I get rid of yellow mold in potting soil?
To remove mold from potting soil, you must repot the entire plant in new substrate, as the mold may be on the roots.
- Remove the affected soil from the ball of the pot and dispose of it airtight in the household waste.
- Rinse the roots well to remove mold residue without damaging fine root hairs.
- Carefully place the plant in fresh potting soil and water with suitable water.
- Check the plant regularly for further mold growth over time.
How do I prevent yellow mold on the potting soil?
potting soilshould alsodry on the surfaceif the respective plant species allows this. As long as the soil is still moist about two centimeters deep, the plant will not dry out. This means that mold cannot settle on the surface of the earth. Be sure to avoid waterlogging by, among other things, correct watering behavior, good drainage in the flower pot, clay granules or expanded clay. You should also use a saucer so that excess water does not collect in the pot. Basically, you should ensure regular air exchange through good ventilation.
Tip
Yellow mold is not always a fungus
The pore sponge Antrodia xantha also has a similar yellow color, but is not as dangerous for humans.
