With the onset of cold weather, the house becomes cool and damp.
Flowers that stand on the windowsill suffer most from fungus, which appears on the surface of the soil in the form of a white coating or mold.
There are 2 types of mold: white and black.
The dangers of mold
Mold is a coating formed by mold fungi on various surfaces. It is spread by spores, which, when exposed to favorable conditions, multiply very quickly.
Flower pots are ideal conditions for fungus to form because the soil there is warm and moist. Therefore, white mold most often forms, which is dangerous not only for people, but also for indoor plants.
This type forms a dense layer on the surface of the earth, which prevents oxygen from getting in, changes the acidity and mineral composition of the earth. As a result, the flowers do not receive the necessary nutrition, begin to wither and dry out, and due to high humidity, the roots simply rot. All this can lead to the death of flowers.
Causes of mold formation
Excess moisture is the main reason for mold. Also, lack of drainage or small holes, poor quality water, soil, excessive and frequent watering, high humidity in the house - all this contributes to the appearance and formation of mold.
Methods for getting rid of mold
Having noticed mold, you should immediately remove the top infected layer of soil in the pots. The remains should be watered with a lemon solution, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid per glass of water, or a solution of potassium permanganate - this will neutralize mold spores.
The top layer of soil should be removed and replaced with fresh soil. You can also add crushed activated carbon, use sphagnum moss as a bactericide. Next, you need to water the flowers with a fungicide solution, for this you need to dilute 15 drops of Fitosporin-M in 1 liter of water.
Remember that the best method to get rid of mold permanently is to repot the houseplant into a new pot with fresh soil.
Prevention of mold
As you know, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is worth preventing the appearance of mold.
So, preventive measures include:
- planting flowers in perforated pots;
- placing expanded clay or crushed brick on the bottom of the pots for better drainage;
- soil disinfection, which must be done before planting by baking the soil in the oven at 200 ° C;
- watering with a solution of potassium permanganate;
- partial introduction of crushed charcoal or sphagnum moss into the soil;
- surface filling of the soil with expanded clay;
- partial moistening of the soil with settled or purified water as it dries;
- regular loosening of the soil;
- frequent ventilation of the room;
- ensuring the optimal temperature for keeping flowers;
- installing an additional special lamp on the windowsill that will shine brightly on the plants;
- Feeding with wood ash is a protection of indoor plants from various infections;
- Regular washing of windows and window sills, because fungal spores are found there.
