How To Get Rid Of White Mold On Plants
White mold is a fungal disease that grows on the leaves and stems of plants as well as on top of the soil. If you think your plant has a white mold problem, inspect it for cloudy, powdery, or fuzzy-looking spores. White mold can grow for a number of reasons, the most popular reason being a climate that is too humid for the plant. Eathappyproject explains that an environment with high humidity can lower the airflow plants receive, causing moisture to build up and creating the perfect conditions for mold to develop.
Another reason white mold grows on plants and the soil in a potted plant is overwatered. Continuously overwatering a potted plant will raise the moisture level in the pot, and if the plant doesn't have access to sunlight, the soil won't dry out, causing mold to grow. To treat white mold on plants, you first need to identify why it grew in the first place. That way, you can prevent it from appearing again in the future. Among the best fixes for this issue, baking soda or neem oil are the most popular. Here's how to use these two methods to get rid of white mold.
Use baking soda
A DIY method to remove white mold from plants uses baking soda. In this method, baking soda acts as a natural fungicide: Green and Prosperous explains that the ingredient kills fungus cells by changing the iron levels. Baking soda also works as a fungus preventative because it leaves a layer of alkaline residues on the plant's foliage. While baking soda works as a fungicide, there is a downside to using it on plants. It may change their growth, but leaving white mold growing on them will also harm their development.
To use this DIY fungicide, you will first need to mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 gallons of water and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap (via Eathappyproject). Put this solution in a spray bottle, and it's ready to be used. First, you should spray it on the parts of your plant where you see the white mold, from the leaves to the dirt. Then, continue to apply the baking soda solution to your plant until the mold is gone.
Try neem oil
Neem oil is another excellent method of removing white mold from plants. You can purchase this product at most plant nurseries and garden centers. Neem oil kills and prevents the growth of many different fungal diseases and insect infestations, and unlike the DIY baking soda solution, it is safe to use on plants with no harmful side effects.
Neem oil can be purchased in two different forms: It comes in a concentrate solution or is diluted in a spray bottle. If you purchase the diluted version, you can use it straight from the bottle. However, if you purchase the concentrate, you will need to dilute it yourself. The Leafy Place recommends mixing 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1/2 gallons of water. They also suggest adding 1 teaspoon of dish soap before pouring it into a spray bottle. Then, you can apply the solution anywhere on your plant where you see the white mold and reapply until the spots are gone.