Spotting Mould on Your Plant's Soil? Here’s What to Know and How to Deal with It
What Is This Mould?
If you notice a light, white layer on the surface of your plant’s soil, you’re likely looking at a type of saprophytic fungi. This type of fungi is responsible for breaking down organic matter and converting it into nutrients that benefit the soil and plants. Think of it as nature’s recycling crew, working tirelessly to turn dead material into rich nutrients.
Why Does Mould Appear on Plant Soil?
Mould needs the right environment to thrive, and indoor plants sometimes provide just that. Here are a few common reasons it shows up:
- Low Oxygen Levels: Indoor plants often have less aerated soil, giving mould and bacteria a friendly place to settle.
- Too Much Water: Over-watering or poor drainage can create damp conditions, ideal for mould growth.
- Limited Sunlight: Less sunlight means the soil doesn’t dry out as quickly, providing the damp environment mould prefers.
- Organic Fertilisers: Using rich, organic fertilisers (like those from food waste) can also encourage mould, as they feed the existing bacteria and fungi in the soil. This is actually a healthy process that boosts soil quality, but it can sometimes bring along visible mould.
Is Mould on Soil Bad?
In most cases, the presence of mould is harmless to both the plant and the soil. The saprophytic fungi breaking down the material are beneficial for your plant’s health and growth. They act as “nutrient recyclers,” turning waste into nutrients that your plants will love. For anyone composting or recycling food waste, these fungi play a major role in transforming scraps into valuable plant food - much like the process our enrich360 food waste dehydrators use to create eco-friendly fertiliser.
Managing Mould: What to Do
If you’d rather not see mould on your plant’s soil, here are a few simple steps to reduce or eliminate it:
- Improve Airflow: Gently rake or loosen the soil to introduce some airflow, helping it dry out and discouraging mould.
- Move to More Sunlight: A brighter spot will help the soil dry more quickly, which mould dislikes.
- Adjust Watering Habits: Cut back on watering slightly or ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogged soil.
- Mix Fertiliser Correctly: When using organic fertilisers, like those created from recycled food waste, follow the recommended dilution - usually about 1:10 with soil to avoid over-nourishing the mould.
A Quick Note on Terminology
In this article, we refer to both “mould” and “fungi.” Mould is a type of fungi that grows in patches on surfaces, while other fungi may not form the visible fuzz we see as mould. All these fungi contribute to breaking down organic material, enriching the soil and aiding plant growth.
In short, mould on soil is usually just a sign that nature is working. While it may look odd, it’s often an indicator of a healthy, nutrient-rich environment for your plants. With a few adjustments to your plant care routine, you can manage it easily, or simply let it be and watch your indoor garden thrive!
At enrich360, we’re passionate about helping people and businesses recycle food waste sustainably. Our food waste dehydrators allow you to turn food scraps into a dry, nutrient-rich by-product that can enhance your garden without contributing to landfill. Our process isn’t traditional composting but rather a modern, electric approach to recycling food waste into plant-friendly material, helping create healthier soil with less impact on the environment.
