Fungi in the soil and leaves of indoor plants: identification and consequences
Detect fungi in the substrate and leaves of indoor plants is more common than it seems. These microorganisms They can appear as whitish mold, gray powder, dark spots, or sometimes a sticky appearance on the leaves and substrate. Their appearance not only makes the plant unsightly, but also compromises its health and longevity.
It is essential to differentiate whether what we observe is a simple residue of lime after watering or a true fungal attack. Limescale stains are usually superficial and easily removable. However, the spread of stains through the substrate, yellowing leaves, persistent white powder, or blackened areas usually indicate fungal infection.
Among the most common causes of the appearance of fungi are:
- Excess humidity: either by frequent watering, compact substrate or dishes with water in the base.
- Poorly ventilated environment: : Stagnant air inside the home encourages fungal growth.
- High temperatures and sudden changes: Heat, especially in spring and summer, accelerates the appearance of spores.
- Accumulation of decomposing organic matter: dry leaves or plant debris that has not been removed.
Most common types of fungi in indoor plants
The inside plants They can be affected by different species of fungi, each with specific symptoms and treatments. The most common ones are listed below:
- Powdery mildew: It appears as a white powder on leaves, stems, and new shoots. It is very common in humid, temperate environments.
- Mildew: It usually appears on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, forming yellow or whitish spots. It can spread to stems and flowers, causing them to wilt.
- Botrytis or gray mold: This hairy, grayish mold especially damages older flowers and leaves.
- Roya: causes circular or raised yellow, brown and black spots on the back of the leaves.
- Bold or sooty mold: It manifests as a black powder that covers leaves and stems, often after a previous attack by insects such as aphids or mealybugs.
- Soil fungi (Phytophthora, Fusarium, Pythium): They attack the roots and base of the plant, progressively weakening and withering the specimen.
How to differentiate fungi from other problems
If you observe whitish spots on the groundMake sure it's not saltpeter or accumulated limescale. Limescale leaves a rougher, drier trail; fungi, on the other hand, usually appear fuzzy and expand and harden the substrate over time. On leaves, the presence of a "powder" that comes off when touched may indicate powdery mildew, while sticky, black areas almost always indicate sooty mold on insect honeydew.
Main causes of the appearance of fungi indoors
- Overwatering or lack of drainage: Excess water and stagnation damage the roots and promote the spread of spores.
- Very grouped plants: Poor air circulation encourages humidity and the development of fungi.
- Bad care practices: Use of undisinfected utensils, dead leaf debris and poorly aerated substrates.
- High temperature and humidity: Heat and high relative humidity in closed rooms are the perfect breeding ground.
How to effectively prevent fungus in indoor plants
- Strict irrigation controlEach species requires a specific amount and frequency of water. Water sparingly and check that the soil is at least the first inch dry before watering again.
- Avoid leaving water in the saucers under the flower pots: Remove excess water within a few minutes of watering.
- Use aerated and well-drained substrates: Adding perlite, sand or coconut fiber improves oxygenation and reduces waterlogging.
- Regular ventilation: Open windows daily and, if possible, place plants outside for a few hours to air out and reduce spores.
- frequent cleaning: Remove dead leaves, organic debris and clean dust on leaves to prevent the accumulation of fungal spores.
- Disinfection of tools and pots: Before and after handling plants, clean scissors and other utensils with alcohol or diluted bleach to prevent the spread of fungi.
How to eliminate fungus from the soil and leaves of indoor plants
- Isolate the affected plant: Separate the plant from the rest to avoid contagion.
- Removes the surface layer of the substrateRemove 2 to 3 centimeters of contaminated soil with a small shovel. If the fungus has spread deeper, replace the entire substrate.
- Clean the root ball and rootsIf there are any soft or blackened roots, cut them off and disinfect them. Wrap the root ball in paper for a few hours while you prepare the new substrate.
- Prune the affected parts: Cut leaves, flowers, or stems with signs of fungus. Disinfect scissors between cuts.
- Reduce watering: Reduce frequency to prevent moisture from promoting reappearance.
- Transplant to a new, aerated and well-drained substrate: Add perlite, coconut fiber or worm castings.
- Disinfect the pot: Wash the pot with soap and water or diluted bleach before reusing it.
- Apply an antifungal treatment: Use natural or commercial fungicides depending on the type of fungus and the sensitivity of the plant.
Treatments and home remedies for fungus in indoor plants
The application of natural fungicides It's an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid chemicals at home. Here are the most effective and safe solutions:
- Bicarbonate of soda: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one liter of water, add one tablespoon of optional neutral soap (so the solution adheres better) and spray leaves, stems and soil.
- Skimmed milkSpray a solution of one part milk and nine parts water on the plant once a week. The lactic acid has an antifungal effect and helps strengthen the plant.
- Woman Crush 100 grams of garlic in a liter of water, let it sit for 24 hours, and spray it on the affected areas. The allicin in garlic acts as a natural antifungal.
- VinegarDilute a tablespoon of vinegar in a liter of water and apply to leaves and soil. Vinegar changes the local pH, making it difficult for fungi to thrive.
- Chamomile teaAdd one or two sachets of chamomile tea to a liter of water, let it cool, and spray it on the substrate and leaves. It especially prevents mildew and rust.
- Nettle slurrySoak 100 grams of nettle in one liter of water for 15 days, stirring regularly. Dilute 200 ml in 1 liter of water and apply as a preventative or curative remedy.
- Horse tailSoak 25 grams in a liter of water for 24 hours, strain, and dilute 100 to 200 ml of water with XNUMX liter of water. Spray to strengthen the plant and prevent fungus.
Commercial fungicides and recommendations for use
If the natural fungicides are not enough, there are specific commercial products for each type of fungus. Always use approved fungicides for indoor plants and carefully follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions. Never exceed the recommended dose and keep the application out of reach of children and pets.
- Choose multipurpose fungicides if you are not sure of the exact mushroom.
- For powdery mildew, botrytis and rust, products containing sulfur and copper oxychloride are usually effective.
- Ask at your garden center on product compatibility with edible plants or pets.
Aftercare and extra tips after removing fungus
- Ventilated location with adequate light: After treatment, place the plant in a well-ventilated and bright location, but avoid excessive direct sunlight.
- Moderate watering and only in the mornings: This helps the substrate dry throughout the day and minimizes nighttime humidity.
- Watch for the appearance of new symptoms: Regularly check leaves, stems and substrate for signs of reappearance.
- Do not immediately group the plant with others: Keep her isolated for a few days until you are sure of her recovery.
- Disinfect dishes, pots, and tools after each use..
Common mistakes that promote the appearance of fungi
- Overwatering the plant without allowing partial drying between waterings.
- Leave standing water in saucers under the pot.
- Not airing the room or keeping plants too close together.
- Do not clean up plant debris, fallen leaves or dried flowers.
- Use compact substrates without aerating material.
- Not disinfecting tools after handling diseased plants.
Practical recommendations to avoid fungi in indoor plants
- Choose indoor plants that are resistant to pests and fungi.
- Avoid unnecessary accumulation of pots and allow space for ventilation.
- Always choose to water in the early hours of the day.
- Do not wet the foliage during watering, especially if the plant is sensitive to powdery mildew.
- Perform preventative treatments with mild solutions (chamomile, horsetail, diluted milk) during periods that are conducive to fungi.
Indoor plants beautify the home and purify the environment, but they require special attention to avoid fungal problems, especially in closed spaces where humidity and lack of ventilation can go unnoticed. Implementing proper housekeeping practices irrigation, ventilation y cleaning, added to the use of effective natural fungicides By regularly monitoring the condition of your plants, you can keep fungal infections at bay and enjoy healthy, vigorous vegetation at any time of year.