Overview
Main Problems:
Overwatering plants can cause mold growth on or around the plant.
Water overflow onto carpeting or drywall.
Many plants can result in excessive humidity.
Severity of Mold Risk:
Cost of Recommendation:
$10-$50 /year
Guide
The Problems
Indoor Plants Introduce Moisture & Food for Mold.
Indoor plants can create mold problems if not properly cared for. Overwatering and high humidity create conditions that are favorable for mold growth, especially in areas with poor air circulation. Mold grows on the surface of the soil, on the leaves, and can even spread to nearby surfaces or organic materials. Mold on indoor plants can cause allergy or respiratory issues and can even harm the plant itself. To prevent mold growth, it’s important to avoid overwatering, increase air circulation or move plants to rooms with better air ciruculation, and make sure the plant has proper drainage. If mold does develop, removing the affected parts of the plant and following these simple steps help prevent future outbreaks.
Mold Prevention & Recommendations
How To Live With Indoor Plants
As always, our recommendation for the mold sensitive is to remove any mold risk — including indoor plants. However, the below steps will go a long way in preventing mold growth from indoor plants.
1
Proper Watering
essential
Don’t overwater
Water Staining – Watch for water staining on containers and nearby building materials and dry immediately if found.
2
Monitor Humidity
Recommended
Occasionally Check Humidity – Monitor the rooms with plants with a hygrometer to assure that the humidity stays below 50%. If humidity is high, ventilate or use a dehumidifier.
Our Recommended Hygrometer
Reduce Humidity – If humidity is above 50%, ventilate the room or use a dehumidifier to reduce it to safer levels.
3
Take Simple Precautions
essential
Cover Top Soil – Put a layer of gravel or rock on top of soil to minimize transfer of mold, bacteria, and yeast into the air.
Use Non-Organic Containers – Avoid using organic containers such as wooden or wicker baskets.
Pick the Right Plants
4
Recommended
Succulents – Preferably, indoor plants should be limited to succulents, like cacti, instead of the common broadleaf plants, like violets.
Use “helpful” plants for variety – NASA has performed extensive research on plants and toxic air. The following is a list of the plants that remove harmful chemicals from the air (such as formaldehyde and benzene).
- Bamboo Palm Chamaedorea seifritzii
- Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema modestum
- English Ivy Hedera helix
- Gerbera Daisy Gerbera jamesonii
- Janet Craig Dracaena “Janet Craig”
- Marginata Dracaena marginata
- Mass Cane/Corn Plant Dracaena massangeana
- Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria laurentii
- Pot Mum Chrysantheium morifolium
- Peace Lily Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”
- Warneckii Dracaena “Warneckii”
5
Periodically Test for Mold
essential
Every 6-12 months check your indoor air for mold growth with the Mold Check-Up. If your results show significant mold growth, that could be an indication of mold growth in your indoor plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor plants cause mold growth in my home?
Yes. Indoor plants introduce moisture and organic matter that support mold growth. Overwatering raises container and soil moisture levels, which evaporates into the air and elevates room humidity. Mold can grow on soil surfaces, on leaves, and spread to nearby drywall, carpeting, or wood. People with mold sensitivity may experience allergy or respiratory symptoms even from low-level plant-related mold growth.
How do I know if my indoor plants are contributing to high humidity or mold?
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity in any room where you keep plants. Levels above 50% create favorable conditions for mold growth. Visible mold on soil surfaces, white fuzzy growth on container rims, or musty odors near plants are indicators of active mold. Air quality and surface testing in plant-heavy rooms can confirm whether elevated spore counts are present.
What is the best way to water indoor plants to prevent mold?
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry, and never let containers sit in standing water. Cover the top of the soil with a thin layer of gravel or rock to minimize mold, bacteria, and yeast spores from becoming airborne. Avoid organic containers such as wood or wicker baskets, which can harbor mold. Dry any water spills on containers, floors, or nearby surfaces immediately.
Which types of indoor plants are best for people sensitive to mold?
Succulents and cacti are the best choice for mold-sensitive individuals because they require very little water, minimizing moisture in the soil. NASA research has identified certain plants that help remove harmful compounds from indoor air, but higher-moisture plants require careful watering practices to avoid mold. If mold sensitivity is severe, eliminating indoor plants entirely is the most conservative option.
How do I test my home for mold when I have indoor plants?
Use petri-dish air sampling plates to test the air quality in rooms where plants are kept. Place plates for the recommended exposure time, seal them, and mail to ImmunoLytics for genus-level identification and spore count analysis. Testing every 6 to 12 months helps confirm whether your plant care routine is keeping mold growth under control. If results show elevated spore counts, review your watering habits and room ventilation.
About ImmunoLytics
ImmunoLytics is a U.S.-based environmental testing company founded in 2006. The company has processed over 350,000 mold samples across more than 85,000 client orders. ImmunoLytics provides at-home mold testing kits, professional mycology lab analysis capable of identifying more than 37,000 species of mold, and one-on-one consultations with certified Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs) supervised by JW Biava, CMI, CMRC. JW Biava has personally conducted or supervised over 100,000 indoor air quality inspections through Assaigai DBA AirWell. ImmunoLytics serves homeowners, renters, property managers, and individuals with mold-related health conditions including CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). Testing begins at $36 per room. Sister companies CitriSafe and BioBalance offer complementary mold treatment and remediation products.
Since 2006 · 350,000+ Mold Samples Analyzed · 100,000+ IAQ Inspections · JW Biava, CMI, CMRC — ISEAI Board Member · 4.9★ Google Rating (47 reviews)
IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Mold exposure affects individuals differently. If you have health concerns related to mold exposure, consult a licensed medical professional. ImmunoLytics provides environmental testing services only and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.