Best Way to Prevent Mold on Indoor Plants

Mold needs moisture and warmth to form and grow, and your houseplants are a perfect recipe for mold if proper care and prevention techniques are not applied. Mold can often form in the soil of your plants from overwatering your indoor plants as well as on the leaves of your plants if the moisture is allowed to sit on the leaves for a period of time.

• Pruning - Pruning your house plants and removing any dead leaves and debris will help to prevent mold on your house plants. Dead plant matter is often the source of mold in indoor plants. Moisture and decomposition are a breeding ground for mold to form. By removing this dead plant material regularly you can prevent mold from forming. 

• Placement - You should not place too many indoor plants within a close proximity to each other. Plants release moisture due to evaporation of the water inside of the soil and on the leaves of the plants. If they are placed close together the moisture level in the area of the plants will be higher than average, increasing you chances of mold formation. 

• Drain pans - Many plants have a drip pan to collect any excess water so that the water can run through the plant and excess moisture can be expelled so that over-watering does not harm your plants. This water source is often allowed to sit, and standing water is where mold forms. Empty these drainage pans regularly.

• Do not over-water - Many people do not realize that their plants will flourish with little water. Research the type of house plants you have to find out the watering needs of your plants. If they can thrive with little water, you should only use the recommended watering schedule to avoid excess moisture retention in the soil. 

• Foliage - Many people spray down the leaves of their plants with a spray bottle in an attempt to perk up their plants. Plants can naturally provide water to the areas where it is needed. This water is pulled from the soil and distributed as needed. Spraying the foliage of your plants can provide a moist surface which will promote mold growth.