White plaque on the ground in a flower pot. Mold on the ground in a flower pot: what to do? Rusty earth in potted flowers

This problem is probably familiar to many who are fond of houseplants. Sometimes it happens that the top layer in pots with your favorite flowers begins to slowly turn white. Seems like it doesn't look like it. Then why is the earth covered with such a coating, and what is it lacking.

Why is the earth in pots covered with white bloom?

I think it is clear to many that most of these problems in the same usually reflect our mistakes in caring for plants. A similar "white veil" is an ordinary crust of salt. It can be white, and sometimes white-yellowish. In such a crust arises in pots simply - when the physical evaporation of water from the soil significantly prevails over the evaporation of the same water from the plant itself. Again, there are several reasons for this, as always:

Perhaps the mechanical composition of the mixture that is in the flower pot is too heavy. That is why its high (sometimes even excessively) capillarity arises, and because of such capillarity, water is more intensively drawn to the soil surface.

Again, mistakes are not ruled out when watering the plant. Perhaps you immediately pour water that you just poured directly from under yours. You don’t need to do this, let it settle at least a little.
Drainage at the bottom of the pot may be difficult. If so, then again, evaporation from the very surface of the soil in the pot will be the main way to expend moisture.
Perhaps you just overfertilized the mixture or you have already purchased such a mixture. Indeed, many manufacturers of such soil mixtures sin precisely with this, especially if they make this mixture for vegetables.
"Got too far" with top dressing.
And the simple reason that immediately comes to many people's minds is banal. It is because of the dryness that evaporation increases many times over and the salts are “pulled out” to the surface.

In addition to all these points, white plaque can easily appear due to fungal microflora. This microflora is again created by our diligence, which we show excessively when watering. Therefore, to get rid of such a plaque, water your flowers correctly (read about it). That is, when the top layer of earth in the pot is already dry.

What to do and how to get rid of?

In order to have less such white (and any other) plaque, you just need to cover the soil from above with expanded clay. Of course, such a raid after some time may appear on expanded clay. Then they simply remove it, wash it well and put it back in place.

Another option is to sprinkle the earth in a pot with river sand. After that, the top layer along with the sand should be loosened. The very addition of sand and the subsequent is very useful for the roots of your plant. Also, you can remove the top layer itself and simply add good leafy soil or no less good humus in its place.

The easiest way is to remove all this “whiteness” along with the earth, and then add new ones there.

If you have water at home

White plaque on the ground in seedlings is a sign that something went wrong when growing it. This is a fairly common problem not only for seedlings, but it can also appear on the top layer of soil of indoor plants. You should not worry about this, because if you detect a problem in time, you can quite successfully deal with it.

Signs and causes of plaque

Most often, plaque is a colony of fungal microorganisms. Fungal spores enter the soil from the air, where they actively begin to multiply, after which the surface layer of the soil is covered with white mold (sometimes it looks more like yellow - it depends on the mold strain. Often, plaque from the soil also passes to the inner walls of containers in which your seedlings are growing.

Mushroom spores are present in the air, but they begin to multiply only when they get into an environment favorable for them. They are favored by the following factors:

Excessive air/substrate humidity.
Weak lighting.
Temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius.

The second option for covering the earth with white bloom is efflorescence, that is, small crystals of salts. It manifests itself only in the ground, it does not pass to the walls of the pots. It is easy to distinguish it from mold: it is more solid, and when you try to knead it, it just crumbles. If you look closely, you can see the crystal structure.

Here's what causes it to appear:

The pot is too big or just over watered. In this case, the plant does not have time to absorb the entire volume of water, the moisture evaporates, and the salts contained in it are pulled to the surface.
Use for watering hard water.
Dry indoor air.
No drainage holes in the tank.
Excess fertilizer.

What to do when you find a white coating?

The easiest way to "defeat" a crystalline plaque:

Dry the soil well. The best way to do this is to expose the pot to the sun.
We remove a thin layer of earth with a touch.
We loosen the soil under it.
Next, we water the seedlings only with settled water (at least a day), make sure not to overfill.

If the ground is covered in mold, removing the plaque will be a little more difficult. First of all, we also dry the earth and remove the soil layer. But usually this is not enough, and after watering, the growth of the mycelium resumes with renewed vigor.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to disinfect the soil. You can do this in one of the following ways:

We prepare a solution of potassium permanganate with a low concentration, the water should be slightly pink. We spill the earth with this solution, making sure that its entire surface is wetted.
We use hydrogen peroxide, the required concentration: 5 milliliters of a 30% solution per liter of water. It is not necessary to water the earth with peroxide, we spray the surface with a spray bottle.
If all else fails, you can use special fungicides (substances that selectively destroy fungi): trichodermin, trichocin. We apply them according to the instructions.

Mold grows well in acidic soil, so a good option to combat it is to use special deoxidizers sold in stores (dolomite flour, tree resin or ordinary lime).

They need to be applied to the surface, cleared of the fungus. You can enhance the effect by adding leafy soil and humus to deoxidizers.

Another good tool for fighting mold is Fitosporin-M. You can apply it not only when the plaque has already appeared, but also in advance. This drug protects against any bacterial and fungal diseases, is safe, environmentally friendly and in itself is an organic fertilizer.

It is a culture of beneficial bacteria Bacillis subtilis preserved in the substrate, which prey on harmful microorganisms, preventing infection. The drug is diluted in accordance with the instructions and is subsequently used for watering seedlings every third time (two waterings with plain water, the third with Fitosporin-M).

Preventive measures

The best way to deal with plaque is to prevent its occurrence even before the ground turns white. First of all, the soil used for growing seedlings must be disinfected.

This can be done using heat treatment: heating in the oven or, conversely, freezing for up to several days. Next, the earth is washed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, after which it is dried. You can start landing.

After the seedlings are planted, it is worth mulching the soil (covering it on top with mulch for protection). As a mulch for seedlings, it is best to use ash, charcoal or crushed activated carbon. This helps to retain moisture at the roots of the plant and prevents the formation of mold.

The next important link in prevention is proper watering. Be sure to consider these tips:

The use of hard water is almost guaranteed to lead to the appearance of salt deposits. If you are unlucky with the quality of the water supply, use a special filter. In extreme cases, defend the water for at least a day.
Additionally, you can soften the water by immersing a rag bag filled with peat in a container with it for the time of settling.
Water should be at room temperature, too cold or hot will not work.
Do not water too often or overfill.

Follow all these measures - and you will not have to watch the soil surface turn white, and your seedlings will be strong and healthy!

White mold that has appeared on the ground in flower pots occurs due to improper care or the influence of negative external factors. Plaque usually begins to spread at the points of contact between the soil and the pot. It can be white or brown in color and has a high spreading rate.

There are always a lot of spores in the air. Under favorable environmental conditions, colonies of fungi are formed from them, which begin to multiply rapidly.

mold varieties

When faced with a problem such as mold in a flower pot, how to get rid of it depends on its type and causes.

black mold

Black mold occurs due to high humidity. It can have different shades.

When this type of mold appears, you should immediately begin the process of getting rid of it, since it is the most dangerous for humans. Interaction with it can lead to an allergic reaction and respiratory failure.

White types of fungus

White mold often appears in the ground, on trees and plants. The most common species, which mainly appears in flower pots.

In appearance, this fungus is similar to salt spots. They differ in structure. Salt deposits are microcrystalline formations that do not lose their shape. The mold is easily rubbed in the hands.

vysoly

If plaque is seen on the soil in the form of white, grayish or green spots, then this may be efflorescence - the result of chemical reactions, it has nothing to do with mold. It negatively affects not only the outer part of the soil, but also penetrates into the inner layers.

Mold Control Methods

If mold has appeared in the ground and smells of rot, then it is necessary to adjust the schedule for watering the plant. It is recommended to reduce the frequency of watering and reduce the amount of liquid.. For some plants, moist soil is sufficient. Otherwise, the roots may start to rot, leading to fungal infections.

With abundant, but rare watering, it is necessary to systematically loosen the soil. Moreover, deep layers should be affected. But you should be careful, as you can damage the root system.

How to get rid of mold in flower pots without harming the plant:

If a fungus is found, it is necessary to remove the outer layer of soil from the flower pot. If this is not done, then the infectious fungus will begin to spread to the inner layers, which will lead to decay and death of the flower.
Next, you need to moisten the lower layers of the soil. To do this, a glass of water with citric acid diluted in it is poured into the pot. The acidic environment does not allow the fungus to multiply, which favorably affects the growth of the flower.
The removed layer should be replaced with a new primer. It is necessary to add bactericidal agents to it, which will also act as filter components for incoming moisture. It is recommended to use additives such as crushed sphagnum and charcoal pieces.
Next, the earth is watered with a special composition of foundation: 2 grams of the product must be diluted in 1 liter of water. When the infection spreads to the plant itself, it should also be treated with a solution.

In order for soil cultivation to have an effective result, it is periodically necessary to loosen its top layer. This will lead to an even distribution of moisture and prevent its stagnation.

If the earth in the pot is covered with white mold, then it is necessary to water the plant with a solution of water with citric acid at least 2 times a month. For 1 glass of liquid, 0.5 teaspoon of acid is taken.

Video: Mold in a flower pot, how to get rid of white plaque on the ground.

Plant transplant

If mold has appeared in a flower pot, how to get rid of it quickly and effectively? An effective way to eliminate a fungal infection is to transplant the plant into a new pot with a complete replacement of the soil. The soil should be selected taking into account all the rules when planting. For certain plants, it is necessary to find out the optimum humidity in advance.

Soil disinfection

To get rid of the infection and the smell of mold, you can disinfect the soil according to the instructions:

Separate the infected soil from the roots of the plant.
Remove the earth from the flower pot and transfer it to another container.
Put water to boil.
Pour boiling water over the soil.
Place the earth on a baking sheet and ignite in the oven.
Wait for the substrate to cool down.
Treat the pot with a special disinfectant. You can also fire the pots with an open fire.
Return the soil to the pot, and plant a flower.

Purchasable funds

You can get rid of mold with the help of chemicals. They can be purchased at flower shops.

But when choosing this method, you should consider:

type of soil;
plant features;
degree of spread of the fungus;
what fertilizers were used for tillage.

Using the wrong product can have the opposite effect.. And sometimes it is impossible to use chemical reagents to eliminate moldy stains.

The advantage should be given to organic preparations that affect the soil and make it unfavorable for the development of the fungus.

Danger to plants

Why you need to get rid of mold and not allow it to spread:

The plant begins to get sick, as the mold prevents nutrients from reaching the stems, leaves and flowers..
The root system does not receive enough oxygen.
A fungus in the soil can provoke various flower diseases.
Due to increased humidity, the roots of the plant may begin to rot.

If you do not fight moldy fungus, then the plant will rot and die.

Causes of the appearance and spread of the fungus

There can be several reasons why a fungus forms on the surface of the soil:

Using the wrong mode of watering the plant, which leads to stagnation of the liquid and an increase in soil moisture.
Low temperature and high humidity of the room in which the flower is located.
Application for irrigation of cold water.
Poorly functioning drainage system. If the holes do not match the size of the pot, then they clog. Which leads to stagnation of water in the soil. After 2-4 days, the first traces of mold may appear.
Poor quality soil.

Excessive moisture and rare ventilation contribute to the rapid rate of mold spread.. The most common time for the onset of infection is the autumn and spring periods. During these periods of time, cold air accumulates in the room, which leads to the slow evaporation of moisture from the soil surface. As a result, there is fluid stagnation and the spread of fungal spores.

The reason for the appearance of the fungus can be increased dampness in the house. This may be due to a poor communication system or the presence of a basement.

Preventive measures to prevent mold

What to do to prevent fungus in flower pots:

systematically loosen the soil - these actions will provide the lower layers with oxygen and increase the degree of ventilation of the substrate;
make the drainage system in accordance with the norms;
contain plants in flower pots, which have holes at the bottom in the required quantity and appropriate size;
feed the soil with activated charcoal or wood ash- this will help improve the ventilation process and protect against infections.

In the absence of signs of infection for prophylaxis soil should be treated with potassium permanganate. The procedure must be carried out once a month. But do not use too concentrated solution, this can lead to the death of the plant.

Expert opinion

Vasily Dmitrievich

Local amateur gardener, as well as editor of articles site.

Another popular remedy is garlic. It prevents the development of the fungus. Garlic is cut into several pieces and placed next to the stem of the plant while watering. After the soil dries, it is removed.

Tips for preventing soil contamination with fungus

If you regularly carry out preventive measures, you can avoid such problems as mold and the smell of rot. The process of getting rid of the fungus is much more complicated and takes more time. When creating favorable conditions for the growth of the plant and acquiring high-quality soil, the probability of contamination of the earth with a fungus is minimal. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure systematic ventilation, sufficient lighting and an optimal level of air humidity.

Houseplants should not be in a draft. Special shelves or stands for flowers are best suited.

If there are indoor plants in the house, it is not advisable to use a humidifier. Since at an increased level of humidity favorable conditions are created for the development of infection.

In order not to think about the question of how to remove mold from the ground, some tips to follow:

buy soil in specialized outlets;
before purchasing, you must read the composition of the soil;
if the substrate is too heavy, then it is not recommended to purchase it, the fungus will spread even faster in it;
before planting a plant, it is advisable to treat the soil with potassium permanganate, it will disinfect it and reduce the likelihood of a fungus.

Before breeding certain types of plants, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of their growth and follow the recommendations for watering them.

Probably many have encountered such a problem as a white coating in a flower pot. It usually appears in late autumn and often because of it, favorite flowers die.

What is this raid? What is the reason for the appearance? How to get rid of it? We'll take a look in this article!

White plaque on the ground in a flower pot can be of two types: saline(mineral) and fungal .

Reasons for the formation of salt (mineral) plaque:

Too heavy mechanical composition of the soil. As a result, its high capillarity and intensive pulling of water to the soil surface, where a salt crust is formed;

Difficult drainage at the bottom of the pot and, as a result, evaporation from the soil surface, as the main way of water consumption;

With a lack of irrigation, when the amount of water introduced at a time is only enough to wet the surface layer. Watering can be rare, but should be plentiful with washing the entire soil mass;

Overdose of fertilizers;

White plaque on the soil of indoor plants can also give rise to hard water.

How to get rid of salt deposits.

You can get rid of salt deposits by removing the top thin layer of earth with a touch and adding a layer of new substrate. If expanded clay is poured into the pot, then it will not only be a decorative solution, but will also absorb excess moisture.

Hard water is softened by boiling, but it is better then to defend it and drain it from the sediment. The addition of oxalic acid will virtually eliminate total or carbonate hardness. Usually it is required to make no more than 22.5 mg of oxalic acid per 1 liter of water.

Reasons for the formation of fungal plaque.

White plaque on the surface of the earth in a flower pot can be caused by the development of fungal microflora. Such plaque appears on heavy, waterlogged soils at low temperatures, high air humidity, or when the substrate does not meet the species requirement of the plant. Sometimes the cause may be mold in the purchased ready-made soil. Mature plants practically do not suffer from mold, but seedlings may die.

How to get rid of fungal plaque.

The best way to deal with fungal growth is to transplant the plant into another substrate suitable for this species. It helps well if the top layer of soil is covered with ash, crushed coal and dried. Then collect it and replace it with fresh soil. Fungicides can be applied if desired. To prevent plaque from reappearing, you need to water the plant only after the top layer of the earth in the pot has dried.

Today we looked at the topic of white plaque in flower pots, and you learned that there are two types of plaque - salt and fungal. You have learned what causes plaque and how best to get rid of it.

If this article was useful for you, leave your comments below.