How to Remove Fungi From Potting Soil
There are many fungi that may live in the potting soil where your houseplants are growing. Most are not harmful to the plant itself, but they are unattractive and may be poisonous to pets or children if consumed. They range from simple mold or mildew to small mushrooms growing next to tour plants. Controlling fungus in potting soil begins before you even place it in the container. Once it is in the container and infected it is more difficult to eradicate, though it can still be controlled.
Purchase only sterilized potting soil or sterilize the soil yourself before using, to kill any fungus spores. Place soil in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Bake in a 200 degree oven for 30 minutes, then let it cool before using.
- There are many fungi that may live in the potting soil where your houseplants are growing.
- Purchase only sterilized potting soil or sterilize the soil yourself before using, to kill any fungus spores.
Avoid over-watering houseplants and empty the drip tray under them whenever there is standing water. Too much moisture is the cause of most fungus problems.
Scoop out the fungus from the potting soil as it appears and dispose of the soil. Scoop it out with a small spoon, making sure to remove the soil under the fungus or the entire stalk in the case of mushrooms.
Treat mold and mildew with a fungicide formulated for houseplant potting soil. Follow package instructions for application.
Re-pot the plant. Remove the plant from its pot and set aside. Rinse the pot out in a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water, to kill any fungus spores on its surface. Shake off as much of the existing potting soil from the plant's roots and replant in fresh, sterilized soil.
- Avoid over-watering houseplants and empty the drip tray under them whenever there is standing water.
- Scoop out the fungus from the potting soil as it appears and dispose of the soil.
Tip
While most soil mold is not harmful to people or plants, it is unattractive. Cover the soil with a gravel mulch if the problem will not go away.
Allow the surface of the soil to dry slightly between watering and provide at least six hours of natural light or 12 hours of artificial light to inhibit fungus growth.
Warning
Always clean pruning shears and other gardening tools with a bleach solution after use. This prevents the fungus from spreading to other plants.
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References
Tips
- While most soil mold is not harmful to people or plants, it is unattractive. Cover the soil with a gravel mulch if the problem will not go away.
- Allow the surface of the soil to dry slightly between watering and provide at least six hours of natural light or 12 hours of artificial light to inhibit fungus growth.
Warnings
- Always clean pruning shears and other gardening tools with a bleach solution after use. This prevents the fungus from spreading to other plants.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
