Surprising Facts About Mildew and Your Houseplants

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Plant mildew can also occur on outdoor plants

Surprising Facts About Mildew and Your Houseplants

One of the keys to energy-efficient homes today is that they are well-insulated and airtight. This keeps them cool during the hot months and warm during the cold months. Unfortunately, these designs can sometimes lead to high indoor humidity. If houseplants are present, plant mildew may not be far behind. You may be surprised to learn that mildew:

• Does not grow in your bathroom or on any interior surfaces of your home.
• Is always white or light-colored.
• Is a parasite that lives on your plants without killing them.
  
  

Everyone Thinks They Know About Mildew

The average homeowner believes that any discoloration in a bathroom’s tile grout is mildew. The truth is that it’s mold. Mildew grows only on plants. Houseplants are the most common victims of mildew infestation.

Plant mildew can also occur on outdoor plants. Unhealthy plants in areas with poor air circulation are the best candidates for outdoor mildew.

You Can Treat Mildew Growth With Chemicals

The hardware store is a good place to get a product to treat your mildew problem. Visit the gardening department. There you will find fungicides and mildewcides that can safely treat your plants. Store associates are often excellent sources to help you select a product and application method.

You Can Also Treat Mildew Growth Without Chemicals

Today, many people frown on solving problems with chemicals. If you want to avoid bringing them into your home, here are some things to try.

• Move your plants temporarily outdoors so that they can get some sun and fresh air.
• Wash the leaves with clean water using a spray bottle.
• Cut away the heavily infected and unhealthy leaves to promote new growth.
• Find a way to water the roots and keep the surface dry.
  
  

Plant mildew does not pose a serious problem to your home. That mold on your bathroom wall or anywhere else is your home does. It’s important to act quickly. In the Apex, NC, area you will find mold remediation experts who are ready to evaluate your situation and perform the cleanup. They are just a phone call away.