Q&A for How to Get Rid of Mold on Houseplants

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I put activated charcoal in the soil to prevent mold?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Charcoal will absorb excess water in your plant's pot, and overwatering is what causes mold.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 30
Question

How easy is it for a plant to grow mold in an apartment?

Community Answer

Pretty easy, especially if you have poor air circulation and live in a humid climate.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 34
Question

Does a mixture of peroxide and water help kill the mold?

Community Answer

It can, but be careful. If your plant is delicate, or if you use too much peroxide, it can hurt the plant. And I wouldn't use it on any herb or vegetable plants, either.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 30
Question

I have mold in my vegetable garden. How do I deal with it?

Community Answer

If the mold is in the soil, remove the affected soil and replace, then put in some apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or cinnamon. If the mold is on the plant, just cut off affected areas.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 25
Question

What kind of sand is appropriate to spread on the surface of houseplants to keep mold spores from forming?

Community Answer

You can use horticultural sand, grit or washed builder's sand. Beware of paving sand and sands used for mixing with concrete. The first is polymeric and hardens when it comes in contact with water, the latter contains a lot of impurities, i.e., is very dusty.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 17
Question

My Xmas cactus has white, non-fuzzy mold throughout most of the dirt, and I don't have any spare dirt. Can I remove the contaminated dirt and leave the roots out of soil?

Community Answer

You can, but only for so long. Try to separate as much non-molded dirt as you can, and reuse what's available until you can get new dirt.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 24
Question

What can I do about sticky white spots that look like powder on my African violets?

Community Answer

It's possible they are spider mites. Isolate the plants that are affected and use a Q-tip dipped in a solution of 1 part alcohol to 4 parts water with dish soap to rub the white spots off. You may have to do this several times to get rid of the pests.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
Question

Can I reuse the pots that had mold in them if I wash them out? What should I use to wash them?

Community Answer

You want to sanitize them well. I suggest a dishwasher if they're not plastic. Plastic ones, depending on the thickness, can be put on the top rack with heat dry off. However, they still might melt. For plastic, use a bath of baking soda, hot water (DO NOT use boiling water), and antibacterial soap. Let soak for a few hours, then wash with antibacterial soap and hot water. Rinse really well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
Question

I have a Hawaiian umbrella plant. I overwatered it and had to soak up some of the extra water with paper towels. Do you think my plant is dead?

Community Answer

If your plant is dead, it will be all brown. If it was overwatered once, you let the soil dry out; the plant will be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

What are the white mushroom-like things growing on my houseplants?

Community Answer

It could actually be mushrooms. Depending on where you bought your soil, it might have had mushroom spores in it that activated themselves when you started watering the plant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question

Can I use soil after treating it for mold?

Community Answer

Generally no, but if you wash it with hydrogen peroxide then you should be okay. The key is to wash it thoroughly because if any spores survive you will have to start the battle from square one.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My curry leaf plant has white spiderweb-like bacteria that kills every branch. What can I do to save the plant?

Community Answer

From your description, this sounds like mealy bugs. To fix, get an all natural pesticide like neem oil, it may take a couple treatments. You have to spray the bugs directly for them to die.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Could I cover the soil with moss to prevent mold growth and to make it look prettier at the same time?

Community Answer

Yes, but mold can also grow on moss if it is over-watered. In general, moss reduces water evaporation from the soil underneath, so less watering may be needed. Misting the moss layer can keep it healthy without over-watering the plant. There any many different types of moss. Bryum is one of the hardiest (it's the type found growing in the cracks of urban sidewalks).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

My curry leaf plant has white spiderweb-like bacteria that kills every branch. What can be done to save the plant?

Community Answer

Those are spider mites that usually attack plants. Try spraying neem oil once every two days until your plant starts perking up again.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0