By Nora | April 1, 2021
There are many fungi or moss that may live in the outside of grow bags where your houseplants are growing. Most are not harmful to the plant itself, but they are unattractive. They range from simple mold or mildew to small mushrooms growing next to your plants. Controlling fungus in grow bags begins before you even place it in the container. Once it is in the container and infected, it is more difficult to eradicate, though it can still be controlled.
Mold proliferates in dark and damp environments. If you notice mold or fungus grew out your fabric bags, no need to worry. They can be removed and controlled. And most of them are even beneficial to plants. Moss is good for potted plants because it absorbs and retains water and nutrients, which helps plants grow. Potted plants lose valuable nutrients when their soil is dry. Using moss helps the soil to retain water and nutrients close to the plant’s roots.
The exteriors of these containers can be cleaned while the pots are still full. Fill a small basin with a solution of baking soda or vinegar mixed with water. Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to lightly scrub the pot, removing build up or moss. Then let the container air dry.
There are several methods to prevent mold in grow bags soil to some extent.
- Avoidoverwateringplants.Moldthrivesinmoistconditions,so too much water will help mold spores to develop. As a rule of thumb, you should water your plants once the top 2 inches or ¼of the total soil volume is dry.
- Removedebris(suchasdeadleaves)fromthesoilandwipeoffdustordirtfromtheleaves Leaving organic debris on the soil can provide a better environment for mold to grow. Don’t forget to trim dead parts of your plant, as well.
- Provideplentyoflightandventilationtoyourplants.Sunlightorartificiallightisessentialnot only for your plant’s growth but also for repelling mold. A source of ventilation, such as a fan on low setting, allows airborne particles to circulate around the plant freely.
