How to Get Rid of Mold on Plants

Houseplants are a wonderful addition to your home.

Mold comes in a variety of strains and colors and can be found on numerous areas and surfaces. Mold grows inside and outside of your home and can grow on your houseplants if they are not cared for properly. Before dealing with mold on your houseplants you must first identify whether the mold is active or dormant. Active mold with be fuzzy and soft. Mold that is dormant will be light in color and have a powdery texture.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Pruning shears
• Plastic bag
• Garden shovel
• Soil
• Fungicide approved for your plant type

Instructions

Remove Dormant Mold on Plants

1. Allow the plant's soil to dry completely.

2. Place houseplants outside during the mold removal process.

3. Dampen several paper towels with cool water.

4. Wipe the dormant mold off the plants leaves with the paper towels. Bring the plant back inside.

5. Water your plant with 1/2 cup of cool water.

Remove Active Mold on Plants

1. Remove and discard all infected parts of the plants into a plastic bag to keep the spores from spreading. Use a pair of pruning shears to trim the infected areas.

2. Remove and replace the top layer of soil that is infected with mold. Scoop the molded soil out of the pot with a garden shovel.

3. Move the plant to a sunny location outside. Sunlight will help kill the mold.

4. Spray the plant with an approved fungicide for your plant type. Read and follow all directions printed on the fungicide label.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves when working with mold.

• Keep infected houseplants away from healthy plants to prevent the spread of mold.

• Keep your plants in a pot that has drain holes to help prevent mold infestation.

References

• North Dakota State Univeristy: Houseplants Proper Care and Management of Pest Problems
• The Garden Helper: Causes and Cures for Mold and Mildew Growing on House Plant Soil
• My Indoor Houseplants Blog: Getting Rid of Mold on Houseplant Soil