How to Clean Mold From Plant Leaves

Mold can keep plant leaves from getting much-needed sunlight.

Different types of mold can appear on plant leaves. A white, powdery substance is typical of a fungus disease called powdery mildew. Other molds, from dark green to black, may also appear on plant leaves. Removing the mold makes the plant not only more attractive, but healthier. Some forms of mold may spread and attack other parts of the plant. Dark molds, also called sooty mold, can block sunlight from the leaves so much that the plant's growth is stunted, according to the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Bowl
• Soft cloths
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with warm water if you have only a few plants to clean; otherwise, it's faster to take them outdoors and use a hose.

2. Put on protective gloves (rubber or vinyl). Dip a soft, clean cloth in the water and gently wipe the mold from the bottom of the leaves. Have several cloths on hand or, at least, frequently rinse the cloth you use.

3. Use a damp cloth to remove mold from the top of the leaves. Hold the leaf gently to avoid breaking it off. Also use this time to inspect the plant for insects. Sooty mold, according to the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, often occurs on plants due to excretions left by pest insects--if you notice the plant is infested, kill any insects you see and then treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.

4. Clean mold from leaves on outdoor plants (or bring indoor plants outside, if you have several) by spraying them with your garden hose, as it is time-consuming to wipe down the leaves of many plants. Some mold will wash off easily, but some may not. Check the plants after you've sprayed them and wipe off any mold you have missed with the hose.

Tips & Warnings

• If mold recurs often, you may need to repot the plant in new soil and place it in a drier, less-humid area of your home (or garden).

• CreativeHomemaking.com warns against washing African Violet leaves. These plants are exceptionally sensitive to water on the leaves. If mold grows on these plants, trim away all infected parts; if the mold outbreak is bad enough, you may have to get rid of the whole plant.

References

• Creativehomemaking.com: Clean Houseplants
• University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Sooty Mold