White coating on the soil in flower pots: causes and how to get rid of it

A white coating on the soil in flowerpots is a problem faced not only by novice gardeners but also by experienced home gardeners. The coating can cause a host of problems: the plant becomes sluggish, mold and rot appear, roots rot, and gnats appear.

Many people believe that the main cause of white deposits on the soil is excess moisture, but this isn't entirely true. We'll try to understand this problem and discover the causes of white deposits on the soil in flower pots and how to remove them at home.

Why is the soil in my pots covered with a white coating?

If a white or yellow coating has already formed on the surface, it means the flower was overwatered with hard water. The coating is a limescale deposit that forms when watering with unsettled water. This will now explain the cause of the white coating on the soil in flower pots.

What should you do if a white coating appears on the soil in flower pots?

1. Remove the plant root from the pot and let it dry for 1 hour.
2. Repot the plant into fresh soil.
3. If there is no soil, then the contents of the mound should be shaken out and dried in the microwave.
4. Pour boiling water over it and apply bactericidal agents.
5. Plant the flower and dry it again for 10-15 minutes.
6. Then it can be reused.

Is the soil in your pot covered in a green or white film (mold)? Fixing the problem is much easier. Add sand, ash, or clay on top of the main root ball. This will help absorb excess water. Another option: loosen the soil thoroughly and poke deep holes in it; this will also remove excess moisture.

You can simply line the soil in the flowerpot with paper towels – this is the easiest way.

What to do:

1. Avoid watering with unsettled water.
2. Before watering, you can add 0.5 teaspoon of citric acid or the juice of one lemon to the water.
3. Remove the top layer of soil and fill the area with fresh leaf substrate.
4. Install water purification filters in your home.
5. It is useful to place peat bags in water and let it settle along with them.

As a preventative measure, it is useful to sprinkle expanded clay or coarse river sand on top of the soil in the flowerpot and loosen the soil.

Methods of combating mold

Constantly damp soil encourages mold infestation, and a flowerpot becomes a veritable breeding ground. Proper watering and free drainage holes prevent mold stagnation. But what if the soil is already infested and bugs have appeared?

1. Stop watering.
2. Dry the root system.
3. Replace the top layer of soil to a depth of 2-3 cm.

If these measures are not successful, then it will be necessary to completely replant the plant.

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Plant transplantation

To do this, remove the root ball from the pot and let it dry for two days. If you're using a ceramic pot, boil it for 20 minutes. If you're using a plastic pot, it's best to discard it, as fungal spores remain on its edges and will remain viable for several years.

After two days, gently shake the roots and disinfect them. Discard the old soil, and steam the new soil in a double boiler or microwave before planting.

Expanded clay should be placed at the bottom of the pot, then soil should be added, the flower should be planted, and the top should be covered with coarse river sand. What will this do? Primarily, it will regulate air flow to the roots, thereby reducing humidity. A similar method planting a plant It will also help if the overflow is small and accidental.

Soil disinfection

Soil disinfection is considered one of the most effective methods. It not only eliminates odor and mold but also completely destroys spores.

The procedure is carried out according to plan:

1. Clear the roots of soil as much as possible.
2. Collect the soil and place it in a container.
3. Pour boiling water over it.
4. Prick in the oven for 30 minutes.
5. Cool completely.
6. Treat the pot with a disinfectant.
7. Pour soil into the flowerpot and plant the plant.

The soil can also be soaked in a double boiler. To do this, pour water into a saucepan and place a colander or sieve lined with several layers of cheesecloth on top. When the water boils, add the soil and cover with a lid. Let the soil steam for at least 30 minutes. The plant is planted after the soil has completely cooled.

The soil must be fertilized or enriched with minerals; yeast can be added.

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Commercial mold removal products

Commercially available products are excellent for removing mold. These days, a wide variety are available at specialized flower shops. The salesperson will select the appropriate product for treating the soil or the plant itself and advise on proper use.

Also consider the parameters for choosing a chemical agent:

1. Plant characteristics.
2. For what type of soil.
3. Availability of fertilizers applied over the last month.
4. The amount of spread of fungal infection.

It's best to choose a ready-made solution of organic origin. These already contain ingredients that inhibit the further proliferation of fungal spores in the soil.

Traditional methods of treating white plaque

There are also folk remedies for combating mold on the ground, but they are effective only at the very beginning of the disease.

• After planting the plant, sprinkle the soil with sand or expanded clay;
• If mold has already started to appear, transplant the plant into different soil and place a few cloves of garlic on top until they dry completely, then replace them with new ones;
• If a white coating appears, remove the top layer of soil, add fresh soil, and place 5-6 tablets of activated carbon on top of the soil;
• A citric acid solution will help get rid of mold; use 0.5 teaspoon per liter jar. Only use it on plants that tolerate acidic soil.

Preventing soil from white mold

Fighting fungus in a flowerpot isn't always easy; it can take days, sometimes even a week. Therefore, it's always better to prevent an infestation than to treat it later.

Preventive measures:

1. Regularly loosen the soil, especially after watering. This will ensure additional airflow and the evaporation of excess moisture.
2. Providing good and reliable drainage is one of the most important requirements for planting a flower. It's important for it to drain well.
3. Choosing the right planter or pot. The planter should be chosen based on the shape and location of the roots.
4. Fertilize regularly. High-quality fertilizers will help the plant withstand stress.
5. Monthly treatment with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. The potassium permanganate will disinfect the soil.
6. Ventilation of premises. Daily ventilation of the premises is necessary. plants, but this does not mean that you need to create drafts.
7. Creating an optimal level of humidity.

By following simple and straightforward tips, you can prevent the appearance of white plaque and fungi such as mold.