Question
just recently I have noticed a couple of my plants have a moldy coating of soil on top. The soil appears to be dry underneath and the plants aren't doing very well. What is causing this and what can I do to fix it?

Answer
Hi Liz,

Mold is a type of fungus. It occurs when spores have contaminated the soil. Sometimes the mold doesn't show up for a long time until conditions are favorable. Mold does not usually harm plants.

If the mold is limited to the surface of the soil, scrape it off along with any loose soil on the surface. You may see more mold start to develop subsequently, but if you are persistent in removing it, you can probably get rid of it permanently.

Keep the soil as dry as possible in between waterings and increase the sunlight, if possible. Both dryness and sunlight deter fungal growth.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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