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.
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.
