There are many ways to attack plant mold, and some of the most effective measures include increasing light and air circulation to infected plants as well as pruning back dead growth. Some plants may need to be discarded once mold has taken hold of the root system to prevent nearby plants from becoming similarly attacked. Herbicides available at local home improvements stores or through the Internet tend to be ineffective in battling this type of plant affliction. Using natural home remedies and altering the gardening practices applied to the plant can cure many forms of mold and restore previously dying foliage.
Plant mold can attack both indoor and outdoor plants. It is caused by different strains of fungi that attack and live off of the flesh and roots of the plant. These types of fungi typically grow in damp, dark conditions.
Outdoor shade gardens are very susceptible to plant mold. Gardeners can begin treating mold in these types of gardens by trimming overhanging tree branches and large bushes. Allowing sunlight to gently penetrate portions of the garden that are experiencing the mold growth might be helpful as well, as sunlight naturally kills mold and hinders it from returning.
It also may be helpful to remove any mulch from affected beds as well as dead plant material, as these can provide excellent growing conditions for plant mold. Old mulch should be replaced with fresh compost, which naturally destroys mold, once the bed has been thoroughly cleaned. Gardeners may also wish to use certain types of gravel as mulch instead of common wood mulch in full shade gardens. Garden gravel will not encourage the growth of mold and will provide added heat for the plants to fight further infection.
Indoor house plants that are over watered or allowed to stand in water also may experience plant mold. Any plants suspected of growing mold should be repotted and moved to windows that receive full, direct sunshine. Indoor plants should also be potted in interior containers with adequate drainage and then placed into a larger container that can catch water overflow; pots should be checked after watering and any excess water should be dumped. Houseplants also should not be watered daily.
Chamomile tea also can be used as a natural mold fighter for indoor plants. After brewing a batch of this tea, it is best to allow it to steep and cool for several hours. The cooled tea can be poured over any houseplants that continue to exhibit signs of mold after repotting.
Plants, both indoors and out, that have been affected by plant mold should be allowed to receive full air circulation. This will dry out damp areas in the plant and promote nutrient circulation throughout the roots. Trimming back any areas of the plants that appear to be infected already so only healthy plant material remains can be helpful as well.