Dealing with Mold on Houseplant Soil: Drainage, Perlite, and Watering Fixes

Why Mold Appears

Mold on the soil surface indicates insufficient oxygen in the root zone, usually caused by:

• Pots without drainage holes (making overwatering almost inevitable).
• Poor soil lacking enough perlite for aeration.
• Overwatering.

Solutions

1. Use pots with drainage holes. Place plastic nursery pots inside decorative cachepots without holes.
2. Improve soil mix. Remove plants, shake off excess soil, and repot in a 50/50 mix of fresh potting soil and perlite.
3. Water correctly. Allow soil to dry appropriately between waterings. Empty cachepot saucers after watering.

These steps will eliminate mold and prevent recurrence.