White Fuzz on Houseplant Soil: Mold from Overwatering

White fuzzy mold on soil surface = overwatering. Roots likely rotting. Fix: dry out, Lysol spray, improve drainage.

Immediate Actions

• Stop watering until soil surface dry AND pot feels light.
• Spray soil surface with Lysol (aerosol).
• Empty saucers 1 hour after every watering.
• Next repot (after April 15): add perlite 1:2 with potting soil.

Why It Works

• Lysol kills surface mold spores.
• Perlite creates air pockets, speeds drying.
• Proper pot size (only 2" larger) prevents waterlogging.

Mold on soil is a warning sign. Fix the moisture; mold disappears.