A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Mold in my plants...HELP

Hi All,
Some of my plants have mold on the top. No matter how I clean it up it's still there later. I don't water my plants on top usually from the dish under the pot. Will the mold hurt my plants if I don't get it out? What can I do to get rid of it?

Thanks Rosepetal

Your best bet would probably be to dispose of all the potting soil in the affected plants. Rinse the roots well(wash the pot too) and repot with new potting soil.

Anybody else have any ideas?

G-Mom

i know you said that you were watering from the bottom, and that may be your problem. mold will only grow where it has a steady, constant supply of water. you really need to let your plants dry a little more between waterings. that is the only sure way to elimanate the mold.

Rosepetal,

The white stuff you see on the surface of the soil may not be mold at all. When you water from the bottom, the water wicks up and deposits minerals in the soil on the surface creating a white, slightly crusty appearance. Mold is softer and sometimes thread-like in appearance.

I suggest that you learn to water from the top. It is generally better for the plant.

HI
Thanks millions for your info'. I'm going to try watering from the top with those plants that I have a problem with. If its still not good I'll take the other advice about cleaning out the complete pot, soil and all. Sure appreciate your knowledge. You've been a help more then once.
Rosepetal