Mold on soil of fig tree?


Hello,

My fig tree gets watered once a week and the soil gets a bit white on top after few days. Is this mold? I just wanted to double check, thank you!

Comments for Mold on soil of fig tree?

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Mar 30, 2022
 Harmless
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

This is very common with house plants, and it's generally harmless and won't cause any problem.

If you don't like it, simply scratch the top surface of the soil with a kitchen fork or a stick to stir up the mold. This will reduce it and help prevent it from forming. Do this on a regular basis to stop it from creating spores and spreading.

To prevent it even more, resist the urge to water as often, especially in the winter. The soil should be fairly dry on the surface, so maybe once a week is too often. In summer, put the plant outdoors for a while in a shaded place where it won't get damaged by wind.

You could also put a mulch of pebbles, glass beads, marbles or lava rock on the surface of the soil. Cutting off the light works wonders on this type of mold.

Whenever you repot a plant, use sterilized potting soil, and remove as much as you can from the rootball, which prevents the spores from transferring over and starting the cycle over again.

This may be obvious, but make sure the pot has holes in to drain the excess water.

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