![]() In this article, you’ll learn more about the different types of fungi, from the not-so-friendly varieties that have no business in your garden to a few that come with benefits. Understanding where it comes from, what type it is, and what it means for your garden is the first step toward eradication. Pests are a sworn enemy of gardeners and hobbyists everywhere, but fungus causes just as much damage. Some of your plants have wilting, yellowing leaves. Fuzzy white patches are sitting on your soil. People with chronic or allergic respiratory diseases are affected more often than average.You spend a lot of time out in your garden tending to your plants, fighting to get rid of weeds, and lovingly preparing for the next harvest or set of beautiful blooms. However, if the spores of these fungi accumulate in the room air, sensitive people may experience health problems. Most moulds that occur on potting soil do not pose a health risk. Remove any surplus water the plant has not taken up from the pot saucer within 2-3 minutes of being watered to avoid waterlogging conditions. Bottom watering using a pot saucer also helps keep the substrate surface dry. Make sure to clean the pot with a surface disinfectant or vinegar solution.Īs a preventative measure, keep the affected plant on the dry side and do not water it until the substrate surface has dried off. Remove the mouldy soil as completely as possible. Ideally, do this in the open air to avoid inhaling too many fungal spores. If a larger part of the soil is affected and the soil has a mouldy smell, you want to repot the plant into high-quality potting soil. You can simply remove the bodies by hand and dispose of them in the household waste. Always remove fruiting bodies (cap fungi) promptly, as they serve to help the fungus spread further. You may want to cover the surface with some fresh potting soil. They do not infest living plant parts and are therefore completely harmless to indoor, bedding, border and other plants.Ī whitish or brownish mould covering that occurs only in specific spots of the substrate surface can be removed with a spoon and disposed of. Saprophytes are destruents (decomposers) of dead organic material they are present in all forest soil, where they perform important tasks. Mould spores in potting soils are always saprophyte fungi. The fluff gives way immediately if you press it with your finger. If the sight of them bothers you, you can easily remove the hard coverings with a spoon.īy contrast, mould spores cover the soil surface like the soft fluff on mouldy bread. Mineral deposits are completely safe for humans and plants and can be left on the potting soil. If it has a crystalline structure, it isn’t mould but mineral deposits from fertiliser applications and calcium-rich water. In the case of tub plants or plants grown in raised garden beds, yet another factor comes into play: the ambient air contains countless fungal spores for which the fresh potting soil is an ideal breeding ground.įirst, you want to take a close look at the covering. In some cases fruiting can occur as small mushrooms. Mould infestation of plants that are grown indoors are almost always a sign of excessive water supply or waterlogging. They especially affect indoor plants that are kept permanently moist or sowings in warm places. ![]() In this case, the conditions that encourage spore germination only exist in the flower pot. Sometimes, however, the fungal spores do not germinate in the bag, but only after potting or planting when the plants have been watered several times. See also our article “ Mould in potting soils” (LINK) for further information. This process can start and become visible as early as in the store packaging. If conditions remain good, the spores spread as mycelium throughout the entire substrate for planting. High moisture levels combined with heat provide ideal conditions for fungal spores to germinate. ![]() These microorganisms hamper the spreading of plant pathogens, such as for example root rot. However, they remain naturally colonised with important microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). This means that after the manufacturing process they are free from weed seeds and pathogens. In their respective manufacturing processes, the different materials are hygienised. These feedstocks are organic materials, and will have naturally occurring fungal spores. Peat-free or peat-reduced potting soils consist of varying percentages of wood fibre, bark humus and green waste compost. These coverings are usually harmless, but how do they develop in the first place? ![]() ![]() A whitish or brownish covering on the soil in a flower pot can spoil the pleasure of even the most beautiful house-plant. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |