Houseplants provide an ideal breeding ground for mold. The soft soil absorbs and maintains moisture, which mold requires to breed. The dust in your home contains microscopic mold spores, and when these spores come into contact with the moisture, they transfer from an inactive to an active state. The mold may appear as a moist white substance, powdery or web-like, on the surface of the soil, or as a white discoloration on the houseplant's leaves.
Instructions
1. Place your houseplants in the path of direct sunlight, preferably near a window. Sunlight is mold's most natural and powerful killer and will prevent mold spores from becoming active and spreading within the soil.
2. Water your plants only when necessary. Mold thrives on moisture, and becomes especially active in saturated environments. Check the moisture level of your potted plants each day, and add water only when the soil feels dry.
3. Clean the plant's leaves with a feather duster at least weekly. This removes the microscopic mold spores contained in the dust that collects on the surface of the leaves.
4. Improve the air circulation inside your home, particularly on humid days. Open windows near your plant, place a fan nearby or run an air conditioner. You also can use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture inside your home.
5. Prune your houseplant by removing dead leaves whenever you notice them. Replace the soil in cases of excessive mold. Repot the plant with sterile potting soil.
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