Mold on pot surface

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Help. This is the third plant/ pot surface that has grown white mold. Yes, I think it’s penicillum fungi, but I’m allergic to penicillin. Thanks!

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Hello @BeckAndre,
Thanks for contacting!

Plant pods are packed with rich plant food, water and have just the right pH level. It is perfect for your plants, but that means it also offers perfect growing conditions for mold and algae.

There are always fungi spores in the air, no matter how clean the room is. Mold appears when there are perfect conditions for it to thrive: moist soil and higher air humidity. Fungus species found on the smartsoil surface are common indoor fungi (Penicillium and Trichoderma) and not harmful for your health.

Most molds that grow on plants or soil around the home are not dangerous in small amounts. Brief contact or accidentally breathing in a little mold usually won’t cause harm in healthy people. If you don’t have asthma or a strong mold allergy, the body typically clears it without issue. Even if you are allergic, reactions from small exposures are usually mild (sneezing, itchy eyes) and go away once you’re no longer around the mold.

The main rule: don’t eat moldy plants, but simply having a bit of mold on soil or leaves nearby is rarely harmful.

There are some methods for preventing or treating mold and algae:

  • Cinnamon powder: Wipe off the mold with a paper towel and add a layer of cinnamon powder. If mold appears often, cinnamon could be added as a preventative measure when new pods are plugged in.

  • Avoid overwatering: The water float should not be higher than the garden surface.

  • Keep the U-shaped lids on: These white lids cover the soil surface, leaving no room between the lid and soil for mold to thrive. Also, they cover most of the soil surface from the light so algae would not develop.

  • Gentle Removal: If mold or algae become particularly aggressive, you may gently scrape them off. Take care not to damage the plants or seeds in the process, as they should be fine to continue growing once the mold or algae is removed.

    Hope it helps! :slight_smile:

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Hello And thank you!!!
I will try cinnamon - have lots of it in the house.
Yes, I’m in a humid environment and will try your recommendations.
Thanks very much!
Beck

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