Fungus on Indoor Plant Soil

Indoor plants that are stressed or in less-than-optimal growing environments can develop a fungus or mold on their soil. While such problems are not dangerous, they are a sign that something is out of balance.

Appearance

Most molds that develop on a plant's soil are white. The color can vary to include hints of blue or gray, and mold often appears as a fine mist over the plant soil, not a thick clump.

Causes

The two main causes of mold are infected soil and overwatering. Gardening Knowhow suggests repotting plants that you purchase from a nursery in sterile soil in case the soil is old or of poor quality.

Tips

Add more light to help alleviate the mold problem, and increase the air circulation by opening a window or using a fan. If your plant--and the plant's soil--is not getting enough light, this could encourage fungal growth.

Water

To prohibit the growth of fungus, Gardening Knowhow recommends testing the tip of the soil with your fingers to ensure it's dried out. Watering too frequently is most often the cause of a soil fungus.

Plant Care

Some plants develop a moldy soil when plant parts fall on top of the soil and decompose. If you're not regularly cleaning your plants of dead leaves and debris, start doing so to prevent future problems.

References

• Colorado State: Managing Houseplant Pests
• Gardening Knowhow: Mold in Soil