Well, since I have done this, I now have white furry mold growing on the plants and they are looking VERY unhealthy!!! i keep my organic potting soil in a tub with a lid and now everytime i open it the whole top is covered in white fuzzy mold. this has never happened to me before. Spray the poinsettia thoroughly with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or another pesticide labeled for whitefly control on houseplants. Easy to read and understand information, fast service. Loved this site! Other books that make good gifts for area gardeners:"Texas Trees: A Friendly Guide" by Patti Leslie and Paul Cox (Corona Publishing, $18.95);"The Southern Kitchen Garden" by William D. Adams and Thomas R. Leroy (Taylor Trade Publishing, $19.95);""The Texas Bug Book" by Malcolm Beck and Howard Garrett (University of Texas Press, $29.95);"Butterfly Gardening for the South" by Geyata Ajilvsgi (Taylor Trade Publishing, $38);"Outwitting Deer" by Bill Adler (The Lyons Press, $14.95); and"Roses in the Southern Garden" by G. Michael Shoup (Antique Rose Emporium, $35). The real threats to your plant are heat, humidity, and low ventilation. It may also sometimes appear pink, red, or brown, and may get larger over time. I will try your remedy. Systemic insecticides work fairly well. They have long-lasting flowers and Poinsettia bracts remain showy for several months. Cinnamaldehyde, the stuff that gives regular cinnamon its flavor and scent, acts as the perfect natural fungicide and prevents mold growth. I was worried that I would have to trash my umbrella plant. Monolith mystery reaches San Antonio, Padre Island National Seashore warns visitors of 'danger noodles' at the beachÂ, San Antonio father, son accused of fraud in connection with $800K Ponzi scheme, Walmart just announced that 'Black Friday' starts Nov. 4. My housecleaner saw it today and suggested I ask Google what to do. Zach (author) from Colorado on October 03, 2018: You're welcome! It is a fungal disease that affects plant leaves and stems, coating them in what looks like a white or gray powder-like substance. Under these conditions, mold spores grow into their adult fungi form and release even more spores. Sucking insects/bugs(Homoptera: sucking nymphal and adult forms) – suck sap from leaves, stems and roots causing wilting, and a build-up of honeydew and sooty mold on leaf surfaces:-mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) – 56 day cycle-citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri (Riso)) Round White Spots on a Poinsettia. A: You're welcome. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. Perhaps the moisture in the bathroom is afecting the tree and caused the white powder on top of the soil. :(. Thanks. I was not to happy. Disinfect the cutting edges, then prune out and discard the diseased portions of the plant immediately. Who knew that cinnamon could be used to get rid of mold! I had forgotten about airborne mold spores... ._. But, although most mold-removal companies will try to persuade you otherwise, the mold in your potted plants is not particularly dangerous to humans. Indoor planters and container gardens are common hosts, as they retain more moisture. To target the rest of the flies, mix a squirt of dish soap with 1 gallon of water and spray it onto the entire plant. 3 UH–CTAHR Powdery Mildew of Poinsettia PD-8 May 2012 Make sure you choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes. Cut the bag open and leave it outside, exposed to the sun and air, for a day or two, turning occasionally. Don't feel like your new tree has to go in exactly the same location. Hello! When you bring it back in, choose a new home for the plant in a spot that is slightly more sunny and breezy. A: If I'm understanding your question, the rooted "cuttings" have started to branch. Just plan on letting the soil dry out a bit before you water again. ▪ Cut off the blooms and use them in a centerpiece that celebrates the new year. Poinsettias are traditional Christmas flowering plants that will last throughout the Christmas season. I'd like to replace it. If you see any mold, take the plant outside for a day to expose it to natural light and air. Overall, mold in potting soil is very easy to treat. The truth is that mold spores are a regular part of soil and are normally harmless. Continue to monitor your poinsettia over the next few weeks. Thanks for the tip about Cinnamon, I'll definitely try this. The ash will make the pH swing up just enough to discourage future moss growth. Use a handheld vacuum to suck white flies up! Place sticky pads near plants to trap whiteflies before they can land. Keep your eye on your fruit trees as the new shoots develop in the springtime, looking for symptoms of powdery mildew. my name is Aurora and I'm doing a science fair project on household items you can kill mold with, that won't harm your plant. HELP!!!! If you want to get rid of the whitefly naturally, cut off the most infected parts of the plants. Zach (author) from Colorado on September 28, 2018: Your information was and is awesome, since I did have a situation with mold. Drain off excess moisture. On the other hand, if you're planning to sow seeds, you should NOT use that soil. What if you have brownish orange mold in your soil? If I find a sick plant I will try to get it back healthy. Garlic can be a particularly pungent aroma, so I don’t … Outdoor container plants are less likely to grow mold, but it does happen. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is very effective in killing powdery mildew. Tip: Ponsettias are from the euphorbia family and cut stems will ooze a … Thanks. If you want to speed up the process, you can take the plant out of the pot, remove as much of the soil as possible without damaging the plant, then repot it. I followed your advice. Thank you for your advice! The new growth reaches a certain point, then withers and dies. I have several Anthurium potted plants side by side and only one displayed wispy white strings on the soil, which I figured were spiders, so sprinkled heavily with Orange and Lemon peel (Spice World). 'Build your dream home': 5 empty lots for sale in San Antonio from $5K... Report: Austin mayor told residents to stay home while in Mexico, FOX Sports Radio names Tim Duncan one of the best in 20 years. If so, you'll probably want to remove some of the lower branches as you transplant them while they're dormant this winter (January is ideal). To use lemons, simply cut a lemon in half and rub the slice onto your fingernails. Using your cinnamon trick on the basil that was with the infected soil, would it be safe to have in the new pot with the new basil plant? If at all possible, have someone grind or pull the stump out for you. I will try the cinnamon treatment on my moldy plants. My one word of advice is to avoid the use of vinegar. Then treat the new vine portions with a brush killer found at … Although you don't always see them, molds and fungi are present in every organic gardening mix. The first step is physical removal. I have an orange tree that developed white powdery stuff on the surface of the soil, when I brought it into the house for the Winter. Not only did this solve my mold problem, but finally my "allergies" from the past few days make sense! Have shared this on Twitter and FB. Q: I appreciated your reply to my photinia question. A: Whiteflies are tenacious, and those masses on the backs of the leaves are eggs. Very informative! I LOVE ALL MY PLANTS AND DURUNG THE WINTER I BROUGHT A MAJORITY OF THEM INSIDE.. Hope the info helps out your fern! Treating powdery mildew on trees begins by vigilance. Thank you for making this post. I wore a mask, removed the white powdery stuff with a plastic bag, as well as some of the soil and disposed of it. Powdery mildew is one of the most commonly occurring plant problems. So, I bought it. OMG!! Zach (author) from Colorado on March 24, 2013: Virginia - Yes, you can sprinkle the cinnamon over the soil even if your plants have already been watered. A good home remedy for whiteflies on plants is a homemade garlic spray. It is not going to regrow indoors now. Wow! Place the treated plant in direct sunlight to dry. You might also consider transplanting to a larger pot full of fresh dirt. Lightly dust the soil with ground cinnamon. I'm glad you're willing to make the change. While you have to exercise caution while doing this, a small handheld vacuum can be a very easy way to get rid of larvae, eggs, and the tiny white bugs themselves. The quick answer is no, that white stuff growing in your potted plants will probably not harm them. What else can I do? It's helped me with my research! I have cut these flowers off along with the long stem. I never new what caused the mold thanks hope it works. Is it possible I could put it under a desk lamp that uses a 15 watt lamp (maybe a florescent bulb as it is a long bulb, not sure). Whiteflies are a persistent pest that can be tricky to get rid of. I placed the orange tree in front of a large window facing West, in the bathroom. Take care to not make the mixture too strong as the acidity of the vinegar can burn plant leaves. Cinnamon is a much safer and effective option. Lightly dust the soil with ground cinnamon. If your plants show foliage signs of powdery mildew, cinnamon can be used as a spray to control it. I'm really worried. Symptoms include itching, dry skin, and scaling. The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherima) is prized, especially during the holiday season, for its colorful bracts, a form of modified foliage. On the other hand, if you are extremely sensitive to mold allergies, you might not want to take any risks. You cannot get rid of the spots/holes, so will have to cut the leaves off. Mold can survive the acidity, but your plant's roots may not! I have some mold on the dirt of my indoor herb garden. I have a question I hope you can help with. I am going to try the cinnamon trick, but another problem I am having is the mold is growing on the actual pot. Thank you, I know what i'm doing wrong now and how to correct it. Cinnamon works great and can also be used in other areas of the garden too! Reapply every three days. Mold can never be totally eliminated. To prevent mold growth, follow the simple steps below: Don't mistake the two: Perlite is a white volcanic glass that is used to improve drainage. Sometimes, you may not use all the potting soil at once; later when you go to use some more, you discover that fuzzy white stuff has bloomed inside the bag. Some people have claimed that the spores trigger allergic reactions. Thank you for the information! Struggling with moldy soil? will the cinnamon work in this condition and should i dispose of soil or remove mold and keep? The mature leaves seem unaffected so far, but I blame the white moldy film on top of the soil for the stunted growth of the baby leaves. Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on January 25, 2012: You hubs are well timed as my mind is turning to a bit of gardening this weekend. Mail questions to Neil Sperry, c/o Features, San Antonio Express-News, P.O. Experts say there will be more pandemics—but you can... How 'Emily in Paris' gets cast iron skillets wrong, Finally: Festive trash fire apparel for the holidays, Nintendo Switches are back in stock at Amazon, but not for long, Powerbeats are at their lowest price the day after Cyber Monday, This Lego sale shows off how many collaborations they do. keep sharing!!!! Martha. Use reflective paper or plastic mulch in plant beds as a protective measure. The are in bright light but not sun which will burn the plant, I have a TheraPure increasing ventilation and they look extremely healthy with lots of blooms. What kind of artificial light would be helpful? Some of the things can be washed again as whites with bleach, but some cannot. Thank you! Along with the cinnamon, try to get a light/heat source that will dry the top layer of soil out a little quicker. Tinea versicolor shows up as white spots on your skin. For more of his advice, become a Neil Sperry fan on Facebook. You might also add a little fresh compost. Would this also be due to ventilation/lack of light? If there's mold growing under your houseplants, or in any container plant for that matter, here's what to do: Potted plants are prone to mold. I then sprinkled a thin layer of cinnamon powder on top of the soil. Thank you for the informative information regarding how to treat mold. Lemon has a lot of vitamin C and a deficiency in this vitamin sometimes causes white spots on nails. Q: I stuck some poplar branches in the ground after pruning my tree last winter. Table 1.Common insects and mites associatted with poinsettias. Thank you so much for all the information! Impermeable plastic containers and pots without holes retain moisture. Here's how to get rid of it without using chemicals. I have a poinsettia that I found in a store right before Christmas that was looking a little weak and looked like it needed some help or it would die. Great post Thank You, I'm using Neem Oil and is Cinnamon better than Neem Oil? Mail questions to Neil Sperry, c/o Features, San Antonio Express-News, P.O. Below, you'll learn whether or not to be worried, how to remove the mold naturally and safely, and a few proactive steps you can take to ensure that it doesn't return. In fact, many organic gardeners believe that "living soil" is the ideal environment for growth. Then look at the plant, is it worth bringing in this year? However, take care not to spray with fungicide too much because it can be toxic to your plant in large quantities. SOS here..I hate to lose this plant!! I will be trying the cinnamon! Worried, you run to Google, type in "moldy potting soil," and end up here. I don't want moldy stuff in my apartment either and the neem oil really smells bad too. Thank you! The NGA mixture is a pretty benign combination, and whiteflies are nearly impossible to get rid of, so it’s best to try more preventative tactics first, as mentioned below. Often called as sun spots, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis are white spots caused as a result of long-term UV exposure. Rub lemon slices on your nails. Investor alleges ‘massive fraud’ at S.A. restaurant chain... Texas officials say heed this snake warning, These San Antonio schools top list on Children At Risk rankings, Investor alleges San Antonio-based Chacho’s restaurant ownership engaged in ‘massive fraud’, Multiple San Antonio attractions nominated for national 'best' list, Aliens or Photoshop? This plant was given to me by my best friend who passed away in June and I do so want to keep it safe and flowering. To ensure growth beyond the Christmas season, cut back the plant in February or early March. Kymberly Fergusson from Germany on January 25, 2012: I must try cinnamon! My only concern is will this effect my other plants? I scraped the mold off, sprinkled a generous amount of cinnamon, and am waiting to see if it did the trick! of vinegar (5% solution) with 1 gallon of water. One of the basil plants was basically dead while the other seems to be fine. Zach (author) from Colorado on October 01, 2012: Since the mold typically only affects the soil, the green onions should be just fine to eat. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, … Nice news is poinsettias are inexpensive. GOID TO KNOW WHAT IM DOING WRONG! These insects feed on your plant and create this white fluffy looking stuff on your plant. So far after years of doing this, I have never encountered mold on leaves. Do I cut these off, or just transplant the entire thing? Masses of gray spores can be seen under favorable conditions. Thanks. Willowleaf hollies are good in the 6- to 8-foot range. On the other hand, a saprophytic fungus might also be a sign that your plant is not getting what it needs in terms of sunlight, air circulation, and moisture. Q: I appreciated your reply to my photinia question. Make a solution using a 40/60 ratio of milk to water. You can also use a yellow sticky trap, available from organic garden supply dealers. I will try the Cinnamon treatment you have suggested andTHANKYOU!! colored spots on them that have worsened and turned a darker brown with larger spots. Thank you so much for your advice! As far as I can remember, Moss grows on soil because of moist and acidic conditions. Wearing a breathing mask, scrape off and discard the affected bits of soil. This is a mealybug infestation. I will also be moving the tree to a south window location, where it will be getting more sun light.The leaves are turning yellow, is there anything I can do to prevent the leaves from turning yellow? I have a "Money Tree" plant. Before you use it, simply mix up the contents of the bag and work the white stuff back in with the dark. Dip cotton balls and swabs in alcohol and remove all visible mealybugs. Hello! Although any plant can get powdery mildew, some are very susceptiblesuch as crab apples, cucumbers and all types of squash, lilacs, phlox, and roses. You can treat this with several different organic methods which should get rid … Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171, or email him at SAENgardenQA@ sperrygardens.com. Since the mold will compete with the seedlings for nutrients, it's best to give the new plants a fighting chance in some fresh dirt. ... To break their life cycle, allow the poinsettias' potting soil to dry to a depth of about 1/2 inch in between waterings. Leave the juice on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing and drying your nails. If you see any spots, prune immediately and then spray with fungicide again. If the new trees are more than 2 or 3 feet tall, they may suffer a little setback from the roots that will be lost. I know you suggest to not use vinegar, but since it's a science fair project, I need to show it anyways. Today the poinsettia serves as a decorative element everywhere from beautiful churches to the porches of homes. moldy and very skimpy. Just be careful not to let it suck the leaves off your plants. Never let pots sit in saucers full of water for more than 5 minutes. Thank you for this helpful information! The question is, can you still use that soil? Zach (author) from Colorado on February 04, 2012: @Elke - I'm not very familiar with Money Tree plants, nor is it easy to make a diagnosis without seeing the actual plant, but it seems to me you are correct. I think I am going to really like this site! phoenix2327 - Hello again! I'm wondering if you might have any tips as to moss growing on top of the soil. You'll find good supplies in nurseries, and they'll have half a year to get established before next summer. If you are transplanting, planting, or just replenishing dirt levels, the answer is yes. Great tip, will definitely give this a try. MY friends has them now. The scarlet bracts of the poinsettia, often mistaken for its flower, are also affected by powdery mildew. Are the two symptoms connected to the same problem? I want to replant the basil that is ok with a new basil plant, new soil and all. The white mold on the soil will most definitely affect new growth before the older established leaves. A good squirt of soap to a gallon of water should work. Thank you so much I also knew this trip and my plants are growing beautifully now!!!! I love different ideas on how to take care of life with household products that are all natural I do have a question how often should we put the cinnamon in our plants once a month? When fall temperatures begin to drop, bring the plant indoors. Lissie Loomes from Tasmania, Australia on January 25, 2012: Thanks Joe for the cinnamon tip - hadn't heard it before but will certainly try it on my indoor garden when necessary. The poinsettia plant is native to Central America where it was used by the Aztecs for decorative and medicinal purposes. Fill a spray bottle with the milk solution. As mentioned above, only spray in cooler temperatures; late in the day is best. I see so many people who struggle along, trying to save declining redtips. CHECKED ON THEM IN 3-5 DAYS AND TGE BEGAN TO HAVE MOLD IN DIRT! Getting rid of gnats in poinsettia. I feel confident that your suggestions will save my orchids. Or should I have two separate planters? Patricia Branagan Cannock staffs on December 20, 2016: I had a new plant last week for a Christmas present( a Poinsettia) within days all the leaves dropped off, and the soil is already mouldy, does this mean than it was stored in the wrong conditions in the store. I've been plagued with a little white 'film' on my potted plants' soil for months, which quickly grew back when the surface was scraped off. What did we do wrong that made the mold show up again. It's not harmful to plants. The pear will probably try to resprout from its roots. Our house cleaner told us that there was white mold on our orchid plant, so we took it out side and threw all the old dirt and mold away. This was very helpful! most of my plants have mold thanks I will try cinnamon hope it works. Then, vacuum up as many of the remaining flies as possible. If we see mold, most of us react by covering our mouths and running the other direction. I put a fair amount of cinnamon on the earth of my large leaf plant was give to me when I lost my husband so don't know what it is called but it did have large cup size white flowers but I have transplanted it with the best earth and I watered it every two weeks now I am wondering if I can water over top of the Cimmon and how often should I water this plant ? Will the herbs be safe to consume? Gave it a good new supply of Miracle Grow, cleaned the pot, washed the roots of the plant and repotted it adding the ground cinammon. As you predicted, I did not find any green tissue. Q: Is there a good control for whiteflies on poinsettias before I bring mine indoors from the patio? It turns to powder wen u touch it. That stuff is probably a harmless saprophytic fungus. Is it safe to still eat the onions after the mold is removed?? Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171 or email him at SAENgardenQA@sperrygardens.com. One of my potted plants got infested with mold, I planted two kinds of basil. Eventually it will kill the fungus gnat larvae. I have indoor fern plants and One is completely over growing and the other isn't looking so good. So it's a sign of life, although it might not be one you want to look at, since it's not exactly pretty. We did not notice until after the load was dry. Place plants in sunlight or strong artificial light to help them dry. When can I dig them and replant them? It's somewhat tricky to get your poinsettia to bloom again. For smaller containers (a gallon or smaller), wait until the top quarter inch has dried before returning to a water regimen. Start your control program by cutting the vines down to the ground and waiting for new growth to begin. The mold might also be competing for nutrition with your plant, so it is also a sign that you need to pay attention to. We water it from the cold water at the kitchen sink as we do the other plants and they do not have the white mold. I cut successive amounts off a large branch. I got a whole planter with spinach full of furry white mold, I'm trying this! If you see deformed, puckered leaves, it’s time to get out the pruners. We show you how to get rid of white flies and aphids organically and easily in your garden without the use of any insecticides or pesticides. Step 2 Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water. There are, however, several ways you can battle these bugs. Use your finger to gauge moisture levels. Lissie Loomes - Glad I could show you something new! I had heard that using a splash of sprite in your house plants helped with the growth, because of the sugars and such! 1 week later, the entire top is looking more like mold. I cut successive amounts off a large branch. The gardening bug is definitely running wild. Q: I'm saving pepper seeds for spring. Lesions on leaves and bracts appear as tan-brown spots. Hello, I live in an apartment on the second floor and really don't think that I have any light coming in the window and don't want to take a chance and put it outside with the kids or someone may steal it, and I'm not sure what part of the day there would be any kind of sunlight on the balcony (if any). I treated them with Spray and Wash, and I am soaking them with Oxy Clean and Clorox 2 and washing them again. You'll need to provide 13 to 16 hours of complete and uninterrupted darkness daily. You can also use a yellow sticky trap, available from organic garden supply dealers. As they're drying, would it help if I sprinkled them with medicated foot powder to prevent mold or mildew? thanks for all that info! Q: I lost a Bradford pear this year. Hope it helps you out. Some are pink and others are variegated. Nellie R. Stevens hollies are good replacements if you need large shrubs (8 to 12 feet tall). Some of their branches are bigger than the main stem. San Antonio father, son accused of fraud in $800K Ponzi scheme. Spray on the white fuzzy mold of the affected plant leaves and stems. Does this sound like mold? Jason Menayan from San Francisco on April 03, 2012: I have this problem and ironically found your Hub via Google! Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are desirable for their colorful bracts, or modified leaves, ranging in hue from creamy white to brilliant red. Every other time you water, add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and one teaspoon of white vinegar to the water. A: Letting them dry thoroughly, then storing them in a sealed bag or bottle in the refrigerator should be all you need to do. From October 1 to December 1 (or for at least 40 days), a poinsettia will need a strict light/dark regimen to produce color. Dusty white growth on leaves, stems or bracts. Whether I will get any back is to be determined. Poinsettias are often grown as potted plants and given as gifts during the holiday season. In severe cases, powdery mildew can even spread to the buds, flowers, and fruits of plants. Cutting back the plant will cause the buds to grow and develop. If samples of a few more bushes give negative results, I'm going to remove and replace them in the near future. The conspicuous white powdery spots on the poinsettia’s leaves render it unmarketable.