WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
White fuzzy mould is actually a common type of Fungus growing on the surface of your soil. It can occur in house plants or outdoors when the weather is warm and humid.
While it’s very natural for Fungus to grow in soil, it can be a problem in some cases where spores may cause an allergic reaction or breathing difficulties in some susceptible people.
Saprophytic fungus feeds on the decaying organic matter in soggy soil
WHY DO I HAVE THIS ISSUE?
Fungus is extremely common in some potting mix blends where a high amount of bark/wood chip is present. The Fungus will feed on this and other decaying organic matter.
Overwatering, or watering directly to the soil of your plants, especially indoors where the soil receives limited sunlight, means that the top soil cannot dry out and stays overly wet. Fungus will thrive in these conditions.
HOW DO I FIX IT?
Physically scoop out the Fungus including the immediate top soil and dispose of it. If you are sensitive to allergens or have breathing difficulties be sure to wear a mask for this. Next sprinkle a fine and even layer of ground Cinnamon over the top soil. Cinnamon contains a natural and very effective fungicide which will kill any remaining Fungus. Be sure to allow the top soil to properly dry out before watering again, and preferably only water from below eg. directly to the reservoir of a self watering planter. Once the Fungus has cleared up, there is no need to continue applying the ground Cinnamon to the soil. This will only kill other forms of beneficial fungus in your soil.
Cinnamon contains a naturally occurring fungicide
