Some houseplant owners use a mouthwash solution to wipe down their leaves instead of baking soda. There isn’t scientific evidence to prove this is more effective at removing mold, but you could try it by mixing 1 part mouthwash with 3 parts water. [2] X Research source Powdery mold makes leaves look like they’ve been dusted with flour.
If there’s still visible mold on the leaves you wiped, cut off the leaves. White mold usually has a fuzzy texture and looks like cotton. Black or sooty mold is dark in color and usually has a splotchy pattern. [5] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U. S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source
If the mold does comes back, keep the plant in a room around 70 °F (21 °C) near an open window with drier soil. Ready to buy your natural fungicide? Check out our Lowe’s promo codes and Home Depot promo codes first to see if you can save on your purchase.
Make sure set the plant down in a spot that’s away from trees and other plants, so you don’t put them at risk.
Mist the plant’s leaves, stem, and soil with a cinnamon spray made by dissolving 1 tbsp (15 g) of cinnamon in 1 c (237 mL) of warm water. [10] X Research source Cover the soil around your plant’s stem with a dusting of baking soda to stop mold from growing. Spray a solution of 2 tbsp (30 g) of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 gal (946 mL) of water to kill traces of mold on and around the plant, as the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar are antifungal. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Spritz neem oil around the base of your plant generously to stop mold from spreading.
If your houseplant requires moist soil, wait until the top layer or surface is dry.
Choose a soil that fits your plant’s needs. For instance, potting mixes are generally used to pot houseplants because they have a light texture and high drainage. [14] X Research source
Powdery mildew or mold, also known as Erysiphe diffusa, can appear on the upper leaf of a plant when not enough light is present. [16] X Research source Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, can grow on the soil and surfaces around the plant when it’s overwatered. White mold, also known as Sclerotinia stem rot, can effect the leaves and tissues of houseplants in humid conditions. [17] X Research source
Sometimes, the soil takes longer to dry than normal, and that’s okay! Test the dryness of the soil with your finger before watering, rather than following a strict watering schedule. Along with this, make sure the pot has drainage holes that let excess water flow out of the soil. [19] X Research source Some houseplant owners pour lemon juice on the top layer of soil after watering to prevent mold from returning. Although lemon juice is proven to have some antimicrobial properties, this hack hasn’t been scientifically tested. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Keep your houseplant collection manageable. Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to having the time to care for each plant properly.
