Question
I am definitely an amatuer, I have several indoor plants and some are showing what I would call soil rot (moldy looking substance on soil surface, can be white or light brown).  I have reduced watering, but the soil still looks bad.  I have attempted to remove the rottened soil, but it never truely goes away.  The plants continue to grow and do not show signs of death.  How do I clear this mold/rot up?


Answer
Hi Melanie,
Fungus grows on decomposing organic matter and most are not harmful to your container plants, just ugly. Raking the soil surface regularly will slow it down.  Drenching the soil with a fungicide will stop it temporarily, but with frequent waterings and the spores of these things floating around in the air just looking for a suitable place to grow, I suspect it would return. Covering it with a thin layer of pea gravel will hide the problem but the best choice is...REPOT.
Soil breaks down in containers just like it does outside.  The particles become smaller, the soil more compact, which slows drainage and root growth.  Fresh, loose potting soil is not conducive to fungal growth.  Repot your plants every two years with a good quality potting soil and you'll have healthier plants and no fungus.
Have a great gardening day!
Jim Crowder