Mold proliferates in dark and damp environments. While the bathroom and basement are the most common areas where mold can develop in our homes, houseplant soil can also provide the right conditions for mold growth. If you notice mold in houseplant soil or on the plants themselves, take action right away to prevent health risks as well as damage to the plant.

How to prevent and remove mold in houseplant soil and on plants:

How to prevent mold in plant soil:

• Use healthy and sterile soil for all newly acquired plants or when changing the soil. Consider using commercial potting soil, which contains plenty of nutrients for your houseplants.
• Avoid over-watering plants. Mold thrives in moist conditions, so too much water will help mold spores to develop. As a rule of thumb, you should water your plants once the top 2 inches or ¼ of the total soil volume is dry.
• Remove debris (such as dead leaves) from the soil and wipe off dust or dirt from the leaves regularly. Leaving organic debris on the soil can provide a better environment for mold to grow. Don’t forget to trim dead parts of your plant, as well.
• Provide plenty of light and ventilation to your plants. Sunlight or artificial light is essential not only for your plant’s growth but also for repelling mold. A source of ventilation, such as a fan on low setting, allows airborne particles to circulate around the plant freely.

How to remove mold in plant soil:

• Locate the mold, which is usually white and fuzzy. Use a spoon to scrape off the moldy part of the soil and then discard it. Wear a dust mask while removing the mold to protect your health. If there is a large amount of mold, it’s best to re-pot the plant.
• After removing the mold, add an anti-fungal solution to the soil. You can choose to sprinkle cinnamon or baking soda to prevent most of the mold from reappearing. Try not to sprinkle too much anti-fungal and distribute it evenly.
• If there is mold on the plant, remove it immediately. Take a paper towel, dampen it a little, and start wiping off the mold from the leaves gently. After each wipe, make sure to freshen the paper towel. Replace the paper towel when all parts have touched the moldy surfaces to avoid spreading mold spores. Cut off any leaves that still have visible mold on them.