How To Prevent Yellow Mold In The Home
While removing yellow mold is best left to the experts, there are many steps you can take to prevent it from taking hold in your home in the first place. Since mold depends on moisture to thrive, much of the work in preventing mold is in controlling water and humidity in your home, particularly in the bathroom, kitchen, basement and elsewhere that moisture may be present.
Mold Busters is proud to offer How to Prevent Mold: The Ultimate Guide, offering expert advice through five chapters on how to prevent mold infestations in your home.
For Household Mold Remediation Call Puroclean
Of course, mold doesnt only grow in houseplant soil. When it grows in homes, it can be a severe health hazard. Learn how to prevent mold in your home. For mold removal, its best to contact a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean. We have the training and certificates necessary to achieve proper mold removal so that you can enjoy a healthy home again. So, for professional mold removal services, contact PuroClean today.
Why Your Potting Soil Might Become Moldy
If you love gardening and pot new plants now and then you may have come across moldy potting soil. So, heres the reason behind it.
The mold you see on your potting soil is white mold which thrives in humid and moist conditions. This may be caused by overwatering the plants, inadequate drainage, and using old or impure potting soil.
If mold appears on your indoor plants potting soil it could be due to excessive anaerobic conditions . It means that the soil is not receiving enough air which encourages the growth of mold in it.
Another reason could be the lack of sunlight. When the indoor plants dont get enough sunlight, they do not get sufficient nutrients required for them to stay fresh and healthy. Insufficient sunlight results in damp and moist conditions that promote the growth of mold.
If you use organic fertilizer for your potting soil, it could be another possible cause of mold. The ingredients present in the fertilizer contain all the essential nutrients that the existing bacteria need to thrive. When the bacteria start flourishing it gives rise to what you see as white mold.
Now back to the main question, what happens if your potting soil grows mold on it and how to get rid of that mold?
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Why Does Yellow Mold Grow
Yellow mold grows like every other type of mold. It reproduces by creating spores, which are then carried by the wind to a new location. If the spores land somewhere that is dark and humid with a food source, then it will begin to grow.
Any organic material is a potential food source for yellow mold. Most yellow molds prefer wood products, but it can grow on carpet padding, dust, or clothing.
Once the yellow mold spores have found a suitable location, growth can begin in as little as 24 hours. Some yellow molds take up to 10 days to start growing. It will grow fastest in a temperature zone of 77 to 86 °F, or 25 to 30 °C.
Let Potting Soil Dry Out And Place In Sunlight
If you dont want to be bothered with repotting your houseplant, let the soil dry out completely.
Fungal growth and mold cannot thrive in a dry environment. Ultraviolet rays also kill fungus spores.
In order to limit or prevent mildew growth on plant soil, place your houseplant in a sunny location.
The warm sun and the dry conditions will help to limit or stop mildew growth. The reason why this
method that works so well for mold is that when the sun is shining, it will dry out the soil faster and
you only need to wait until the top 2 of soil is totally dry before you move on to the next step.
White feathery residue can be easily scooped up with a sterile spoon. You can also spread out the soil
and leave it in the sun to remove mold however, since you will have to repot the plant later it is best
just to discard the soil and use a fresh potting mix.
Okay, since I mentioned ultraviolet above, it reminds me of this thing. My plants seem to be happy with them. Soil is dried much faster with this device than with blue/red LEDs of the same design.
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Early-stage: it appears as a bright yellow patch. This is the way this slime generally begins. It is very moist and compact .
Mature stage: after a few days, it matures, and it gets a pale yellow color. It dries out, and you can see some cracks in the surface
Final stage: it gets dark orange, and then finally brown. The spores are easy to be released .
When the mold is fully matured and dry, the spores inside are released into the air to spread the mold. So if you see a yellow blob in your pots, as the University of Arkansas suggests, what you probably have is the Fuligo Septica in its very early stages.
Can I Get Rid Of It
While you can physically pick and remove the mushrooms thats only the most visible part of this fungus. It is nearly impossible to remove all of the spores and mycelium from the potting soil that can produce more mushrooms in the future.
So, short of throwing out your entire plant, soil, and the pot, you cant really get rid of it. Try keeping to a regular watering cycle that doesnt keep the soil too moist and you will reduce the chances of the fungus producing any mushrooms.
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Remove Debris From Potting Soil To Prevent Mold
Mold on houseplant soil also forms when dead leaves and other organic material is left to rot on it. These decaying bits of plants increase moisture levels in the top layer of your soil. This creates the optimal setting for white mold to grow.
When checking your houseplants to see if they need watering, remove any debris from the soil. This way, you can help to avoid white fuzz from growing around the base of your plants.
Is Yellow Mold Dangerous And Toxic
Some species of yellow mold produce poisons called mycotoxins. These poisons can enter the body through breathing in spores from yellow mold in the home, through the skin by touching yellow mold, or otherwise ingesting the toxin. There are many types of mycotoxin, and illnesses resulting from mycotoxin poisoning can vary from acute to chronic, mild to severe.
You might be familiar with toxic black mold that is notorious for producing these harmful mycotoxins, but some yellow mold can produce it too. Therefore, if you find yellow mold in your household, its important to eradicate it right away.
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Why Mold Grows On Potting Soil
Houseplants thrive in soil with an ideal moisture content. Mold, too, flourishes in damp areas, making overwatered plants a perfect breeding ground. The common white mold that latches onto soil particles is a type of Saprophytic Fungus, which feeds on and breaks down organic material.
Those with green thumbs will be comforted by the fact that Saprophytic Fungus will not directly cause damage to houseplants. Rather, the mold is a telltale sign that the methods used to care for the potted plants are, to some degree, faulty.
Mold infests the soil of indoor plants for numerous reasons. Overwatering produces an idyllic environment for spores. A pot with poor drainage also encourages mold growth. Using previously contaminated soil leads to unsightly mold. Moist, decaying matter in soil gives spores ample sustenance.
Following are four techniques to remedy the unpleasant mold infestations in potted plants. These methods are readily accessible to owners of indoor houseplants. Gardeners will also benefit from a few tips to prevent the recurrence of mold growth on the surface of the plant soil.
Increase Ventilation To Prevent Mold Growth
Mold does not like good air circulation very much and will certainly find a darker and damper place to go, if your houseplants are in a well ventilated room.
Note that a well ventilated room is not a drafty room. Some houseplants do not like drafts and changes in temperature, which can happen in a drafty room therefore, this is not the type of air circulation you need. Position your plants in a room with good airflow or make use of a basic oscillating fan on a low/slow setting every few days.
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Yellow Fungus In Soil What Is It
One thing I know for certain is that the soil around my houseplants should not be yellow.
Imagine my surprise one morning when I went to check on my beloved pretty plants and flowers and discovered what looked like a yellow fungus making my potting soil its home.
How did this happen? I very diligently take care of my plants and conscientiously take detailed notes.
More importantly, was this yellow fungus dangerous?
Yellow Mold In Plant Soil
Yellow mold in plant soil is more correctly known as Fuligo Septica. Its related to the seaweed family and isnt toxic to humans unless you eat a spoonful of it. This yellow mold can be unsightly, and it may damage plant roots and stems as well as harm pets and children, who may eat the soil contaminated with it, so getting rid of it may be in your best interest.
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What Does Yellow Mold Look Like
Various species of mold can take on a yellow colour. Exact hue and appearance can vary widely depending on the type of mold involved, from intensely yellow to a more muted appearance.
Some yellow mold may appear as patches of dusty or fuzzy yellow, while a common type of mold with a yellow colouration is known as slime mold which has a gelatinous texture.
White Fuzzy Growths Can Appear At The Base Of Your Plant Seemingly Overnight Salvage Your Houseplant And Prevent Moldy Soil In The Future
You might find mold on houseplant soil after bringing your plants in for the winter, or it might grow in containers that are inside year-round. It can pop up on new additions to your urban garden, or it can appear on established members of your leafy collection. Mold occurs on soil for a number of reasons. Understanding what caused the problem and how to get rid of it will keep your garden and home happy.
Most people dont realize that plants have natural microorganisms that exist around them just like we have within our bodies and on our skin, explains Shelby DeVore, a gardening expert with a masters degree in agriculture and founder of Farminence. Many of these microorganisms are necessary for proper plant health.
This symbiotic relationship is why living soil is so favorable. To create living soil, many gardeners try to attract worms, which aerate soil and supply much-needed nutrients. Adding compost is another way to get those beneficial microorganisms. However, improper plant care can disturb the delicate balance of nature.
When you start to notice mold emerging on the surface of the potting soil, DeVore says, theres an issue.
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Remove The White Fuzzy Mold Growing On The Soil
One of the easiest ways to eliminate white mold from plant soil is to remove it. White fuzzy mold only affects the top part of the potting mix. You can use a sterile spoon to remove 2 inches of soil carefully. Just dont allow any infected soil to fall back into the pot otherwise you will contaminate more soil.
The next step is to remove any evidence of mold from the stems and leaves. Take a damp cloth and gently wipe down all parts of the plant. Cleaning the whole plant helps ensure you remove all spores and traces of white mold.
The next step to get rid of houseplant soil fungus is to treat the plant with an antifungal treatment. Of course, there are many fungicidal sprays you can use. However, rather than fill your home with chemicals, its best to use natural fungicide solutions.
Read our ultimate guide to getting rid of white mold on plants.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Mold In Potted Plants
While yellow mold isnt toxic to humans if it is left alone in your pot plants, it is unsightly, and removing it can be a challenge.
In the garden, it is slightly more difficult to remove yellow mold as your container is the whole garden.
Here are some excellent ways I use to remove yellow mold from my pot plants and ensure it doesnt return.
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What Else Can You Do
- Never let pots sit in saucers full of water for more than five minutes. Drain off excess moisture.
- Place plants in sunlight or strong artificial light to help them dry.
- If you see any mold, take the plant outside for a day to expose it to natural light and air. When you bring it back in, choose a new home for the plant in a spot that is slightly more sunny and breezy.
- You might also consider transplanting to a larger pot full of fresh dirt. Make sure you choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes.
What Happens If Your Potting Soil Has Mold On It
Having mold on potting soil is not necessarily a bad thing. It does not damage the plant but could be an indication that the soil isnt getting what it needs to flourish.
White mold or Saprophytic fungi commonly found in potting soil is also called litter transformer because it consumes decaying organic matter and converts it into something useful for the soil.
However, that does not mean you can keep on using moldy potting soil. Its better to get rid of that mold because it will eventually start affecting your plants and the leaves will start to turn yellow, wilt, or die.
Not only indoor plants but outdoor plants can also be affected by mold as it releases spores that are carried by the wind and can contaminate other plants. But the good news is that you wont have to throw away your plants because you can easily get rid of the mold.
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Enlist Natures Help With Natural Fungicides
If the plant still seems to attract mold, then I opt for the route of spraying fungicides. Nature has some amazing options available to us.
I like using a solution of weak apple cider vinegar and water, which I spray on the base of the plant and the soil.
I may also opt for mixing in a few drops of neem oil, which is a wonderful fungicidal that wont damage the plant at all.
If you want, you can also sprinkle cinnamon powder on top of the soil, which will also repel mold spores. In addition, your home will have a wonderful smell too.
How Harmful Is The Yellow Mold
Is yellow mold toxic? Like other types of mold infesting your house, the presence of yellow mold is dangerous to anyone. Aspergillus, for instance, can cause a wide array of health troubles such as respiratory issues, infections on breathing system like bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as skin irritation. Once you are exposed to it, you will experience a serious itching problem disrupting your daily life.
The Serpula Lacrymans is why some people with high allergy go through coughing, difficulty in breathing, and not to mention a sore throat. And the most hazardous species of all is nothing else but Mucor. Its likely more frightening than black mold.
Their exposure to your health cant be taken lightly. Consequently, see a doctor as soon as possible once you get a couple of symptoms caused by the yellow mold toxic.
Basically, all people can get affected by the exposure of yellow mold. The ones vulnerable to this bright fungus are infants, old people, pregnant women, as well as children.
Those who have an allergic reaction can easily have the diseases. Once you are diagnosed with this thing, its very important that you take a quick action in regard to getting rid of the trouble source.
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Repot Houseplants To Get Rid Of Mold On Soil
It makes sense to repot houseplants if any kind of mold or fungal growth is on or in plant soil. Repotting plants to remove mold gives you a fresh start with your plant. Replacing contaminated soil with sterile soil will immediately get rid of the white stuff and help prevent it from returning.
Of course, you need to ensure that you dont transfer fungus spores to the new pot. Before repotting, sterilize all equipment you plan to usepruning shears, knives, or other implements. So how should you repot your indoor plant to eradicate soil mold?
Heres how to repot your plant to get rid of mold on soil:
- Use a damp cloth to remove any signs of white fuzz thats on plant leaves or stems.
- Carefully remove the plant from its container and empty all the soil into a plastic bag.
- Get rid of all the dirt from the roots by putting under running water.
- Check the roots for any sign of disease and prune as necessary with sterile shears.
- Take a sterile pot and fill it one-third full with the appropriate sterile potting soil.
- Put the plant in the container and make sure its at the same growing height as before.
- Fill the pot with the remaining soil and thoroughly water.
- Water your plant again when the top 1 has dried out.
