You have recently repotted your favorite plants in fresh soil and suddenly you discover mold on the surface of the soil. Where does the mold come from and how does it have to be removed? Find out in this article.
Why does new potting soil get moldy?
If mold forms quickly on new potting soil, this may be due to theinferior quality of the soil. This contains a particularly high proportion of humus and many mold spores. You can recognize this by a musty smell when you open the bag.
How do I recognize mold on new potting soil?
You can recognize mold on your potting soil whenwhite, fluffy spots form on the surface of the soil. They are initially small and quickly grow into a coherent network that spreads over the entire surface of the flower pot. Mold most often appears on houseplants. In contrast, you can recognize limescale by a hard, crumbly and whitish coating.
Does mold need to be removed from new potting soil?
Molds can be very dangerous for people and animals and can cause them great harm. People who suffer from respiratory diseases or are prone to allergies are particularly at risk from high concentrations of spores in the air. In severe reactions, mold can trigger asthma attacks or even lead to respiratory failure. Therefore, you shouldremove it professionally as quickly as possibleRemember that visitors or your pets can also be particularly sensitive to mold spores.
How do I remove mold from new potting soil?
For your own protection, you should work in fresh air. The actual mold, the mycelium, is found in the soil. Only the fruiting body can be seen on the surface. Therefore, the affected plant must be repotted:
- Carefully scrape off the top, affected layer of soil.
- Take the plant out of the pot and free it from the soil without damaging the fine roots.
- Clean the inside and outside of the pot thoroughly with vinegar solution.
- Place the plant in the pot with fresh substrate.
How do I prevent mold on new potting soil?
You can effectively prevent mold on new potting soil with the following measures:
- Use high quality potting soil.
- Make sure you adapt your watering behavior. If the earth's surface is constantly moist, mold spores have an easy time.
- Ensure good drainage in the flower pot to avoid waterlogging.
- Save excess irrigation water in clay granules or expanded clay, which you distribute in the ball of the pot.
- Ideally use a coaster as an indicator. If the saucer fills with water, you have already poured too much.
Tip
Allow the surface of the earth to dry out
Mold needs moisture to survive. If possible, water from below or do not water at all for a few days to allow the soil surface to dry out. This deprives the fungus of its foundation and causes it to die or not be able to settle at all. Be sure to pay attention to the needs of your plant.
