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Mold on indoor plant soil #775260

Asked October 13, 2021, 2:26 PM EDT

Hello! I have reoccurring fuzzy, white (mold?) on my indoor houseplants. I've cut my watering down to every week to 10 days, replanted, and scooped out the white fuzz - replacing with new soil, but it's still happening! The frustrating part is that it's only some of the plants. But I can figure out why. Please help. Thank you!

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.

This is a very good description of this matter. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/dustylooking-mold-soil-houseplants-41109.html The mold is harmless, more of a symptom than a disease.  Saprophytic is a generic term that means 'eating rotted material.'

The problem is most often related to a failure of the pot to drain water away rather than to the watering itself.  The failure to drain can cause rotting of the roots which will stunt the plant and make it somewhat yellow.  Root rot is described well here. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm

I suggest you remove the plant, look for root rot, make sure that the pot drains to an under-dish, repot in fresh soil. 

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied October 13, 2021, 3:37 PM EDT
Thank you so much for your thorough response! I was worried about that - but guessing this is the issue. I'll have to invest in better pots and then treat the root rot.

Thank you for your help!

Have a great day!
Chelsea Helder 

On Wed, Oct 13, 2021, 2:37 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied October 14, 2021, 2:01 PM EDT

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