Strategies for Restoring Dirtiness in Houseplants
Controlling Mould and Dust on Houseplants: A Handy Guide
Are you finding a dusty layer on your plant's soil, or dust clinging to your plants' leaves? Dust and mould are common issues for indoor gardeners, but they are easy to manage with the right approach.
Mould: Recognize and Remove
If you notice a fine, white dust on your plant's soil, it could be mould. Don't worry, most types of mould are not harmful to your plants, but they can make your living space less appealing. Mould tends to thrive in wet, humid conditions with poor air circulation, so it's essential to identify the cause and take steps to eliminate it.
To get rid of mould, gently scrape it off the soil using a clean spoon. Then, dispose of the mould carefully to avoid spreading it. To prevent mould from reappearing, ensure your plants are in a well-ventilated area, avoid overwatering, and consider sprinkling cinnamon on the soil, as it acts as a natural fungicide.
If you come across grey mould, which can be harmful to your plants, take immediate action. Isolate the affected plants and cut off any affected growth. Move the plants to a brighter and drier location to prevent the spread of the mould. In severe cases, you may need to use a commercial fungicide.
Mould
Dust on Leaves: A Hidden Issue
White mould is harmless, but grey mould can be bad for the plant's health
Dust on leaves can block pores, reducing the amount of sunlight the plant receives and negatively impacting growth. Dust can also contain toxic chemicals, so regular cleaning is crucial. To clean leaves, use a damp washcloth or microfibre cloth to gently wipe the dust away. Rinse the plants under lukewarm water if necessary, and let them dry thoroughly.
The frequency of dusting depends on the dust levels in your home. If you have pets, smokers, or a wood-burning stove, you may need to clean your plants more frequently. Dust from these sources can settle on the leaves and obstruct growth.
Cause of mould
Dusty Soil: The Explanation
Moist environment, overwatering, poor air circulation
If your soil is dusty after watering, it may be hydrophobic. Hydrophobic soil occurs when a waxy layer forms on the soil, causing it to repel water instead of absorbing it. This can happen to both outdoor garden soil and potted plants. Hydrophobic soil can lead to uneven water distribution, causing dry spots and potential issues for your plants' growth.
To rehydrate hydrophobic soil, submerge potted plants in a bucket of water to encourage water absorption from the bottom up. Large containers can be watered from the bottom as well. If rain is forecast, let nature take care of the problem. For long-term solutions, consider adding organic matter or peat moss to your soil to improve its water-retention capabilities.
Solution to mould
By following these simple tips, you can keep your plants healthy, clean, and vibrant. With proper care and maintenance, your houseplants will continue to thrive in your indoor garden.
Scrape it off with a clean spoon, use cinnamon, keep the plant in a dry and bright place
Additional Resources
Dust on leaves
- Factors contributing to the development of hydrophobic soil
- Best soil types for growing arborvitae trees
- Transitioning hydroponic plants to soil
- Testing soil quality for healthy vegetable gardens
- Sweet corn: should the soil be amended?
- Best practices for watering indoor plants
- Mould-resistant indoor plants
- Tips for keeping dust levels low in your home
Hinders growth by blocking pores and reducing the amount of light available to the leaves
References
Solution to dust on leaves
[1] L.W. Nobel and E. Bájek (2013) “The importance of biotic factors in soil structure stabilization.” In The Nature of Soil: Biology and Structure, Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, FL, p. 457–482.
Wipe with a damp cloth or a microfibre cloth, use a spray, place the plant outside when it's raining
[2] G. Babu and N.C. Rao (2009) “Soil reclamation: A review.” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 167, 315–328.
[3] N.D. Sprague (2010) Soils for Horticultural Crops. CABI, Wallingford, UK.
Dusty soil
[4] M. Sims (2015) “Organic soil conditioners.” Cornell University Extension, https://extension.psu.edu/organic-soil-conditioners
Could be due to rainfall or irrigation separating organic matter from sand
[5] N.R. Hill (2016) “Hydrophobic soils and hairpin water moves in granular media.” Environmental Pollution, 213, 360–373.
- To maintain a clean and vibrant lifestyle, regularly dust the leaves of your houseplants to ensure they receive adequate sunlight for growth, and address any signs of mould on the soil by using a clean spoon to gently scrape it off and applying cinnamon as a natural fungicide to prevent its reappearance.
- In your home-and-garden pursuit, don't neglect the importance of gardening in your indoor space, as dust on leaves can be detrimental to plant growth by blocking pores and reducing the amount of light available, while hydrophobic soil can lead to uneven water distribution. Thus, remember to regularly wipe the dust off your plants' leaves and maintain well-draining soil for a thriving indoor garden.
