White covering on potting soil: mold or harmless deposits?

White covering on potting soil: mold or harmless deposits?

A white covering can often form on potting soil in pots. This is often considered mold, but in many cases it is harmless, mineral deposits, especially lime, which arise from salts in the irrigation water. Factors such as a location near a heater, calcareous tap water or watering over the coasters contribute to the formation of such deposits. Mineral residues are usually harmless to the plants, while mold can cause serious problems, both for the plants and for humans.

The decisive difference between mold and mineral deposits is visually recognizable. Mold often shows itself as a soft, fluffy surface, while lime and mineral deposits are hard and crumbly. A simple scratch test can contribute to a distinction: crumbly, hard deposits indicate minerals, while fluffy coverings indicate mold. Mold often arises from excessive watering that leads to constantly moist earth and can be favored by poor ventilation.

causes and risks of mold

The causes of the formation of mold include poor drainage, lack of sunlight and high moisture. Especially indoors where the air can circulate, the potting soil tends to develop mold. Mold is not only harmful to plants, but can also represent health risks for people, especially for people with respiratory diseases or allergies. This is often shown by discoloration or the wither of the leaves as well as possible root rot.

measures in the event of mold

The control of mold requires some targeted measures. First of all, affected plants should be brought outside and the visible mold should be scraped off the surface of the earth. Then the earth has to be removed from the roots, and the pot should be cleaned thoroughly to remove residues. Cleaning with warm vinegar water is recommended, but it is important to ensure that this water is not mixed with the earth because it can disturb the floor chemistry. In the best case, the plant is newly planted with fresh earth.

• steps to combat mold:
• bring affected plants outside.
• scrap the mold from the surface.
Take
• the plant out of the pot and knock on earth.
• clean thoroughly.
Plant
• plant with fresh earth again.

To prevent mold, the plants between the casting gears should dry out slightly, and it is advisable to choose potting soil with a high mineral proportion. Adjustments in casting behavior, especially in autumn and winter, are also important. In addition, the earth should be loosened up regularly and dead plant parts must be removed.

natural prevention

There are various home remedies for mold prevention. A solution made of 20 ml of tea tree oil with one liter of water can be sprayed onto the surface of the earth to prevent mold formation. In addition, the surface can be covered with mineral materials such as bloating tone or lavagranulate in order to regulate excess moisture. Another natural method is the use of cinnamon, which is considered a fungicide and can simply be scattered on earth.

In summary, it can be said that white surface on potting soil can represent both harmless deposits and dangerous mold. Preventive measures and quick action in the event of infestation can effectively protect the health of the plants and humans. Further information about the handling of mold and deposits provides Ruhr24 href = "https://gartenpanda.de/blumenerde-weisser-belag"> Gartenpanda and Garden community offer valuable tips for preventing and fighting.