Question
Hi,my tree is a schelfera, it is med size tree.the pot it is in is a very big clay pot. I just repotted it about two months ago with new potting soil. The tree is inside the house. The problem is the pot has mildew or mold around the bottom and about 3inches up. I dont know what is causeing this to happen.I am only watering it once every other week.Can you help me with this problem?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Patricia,

If the white stuff is around the bottom three inches of the pot and the pot is terra cotta, then it is not mold or mildew. It is excess mineral salts that are leaching out of the soil and through the bottom walls of the pot. The excess mineral salts can come from potting soil that has too much fertilizer in it or from the use of hard water. If it is the latter, switch to filtered , distilled or rainwater.

You didn't say how tall your Schefflera is  or how large the pot is, but I am concerned that the pot may be too big. If you can e-mail me a photo that shows the entire plant and pot together, I may be able to help you further.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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