If you have an umbrella plant and lava rock, you may be noticing some mould growing on the lava rock. This is a common problem with these plants, but it’s easy to fix. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes lava rock mould and how to get rid of it.
Why Is My Umbrella Plant Lava Rock Going Mouldy?
Your lava rock is going mouldy because it is constantly moist from the watering of your umbrella plant. The spores of the mould are present in the air and they land on the wet lava rock and start to grow. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that your lava rock is not constantly wet.
This happens to all lava rocks eventually and is not a cause for alarm. In fact, many people think that the mould adds character to the lava rock. Take a look at any wet rock in the wild and you’ll see mould growing on it.
If you don’t want the mould on your lava rock, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.
How Do I Get Rid Of Lava Rock Mould?
If you already have mould growing on your lava rock, you can remove it with a toothbrush or other small brush. Scrub the mouldy areas with the brush and then rinse the lava rock off with water.
Neem oil (Neem Max is my choice) is a good way to prevent mould from growing on your lava rock. You can find neem oil at most garden stores. Simply apply the neem oil to the lava rock with a brush or spray bottle and it will help keep the mould away.
This is because neem oil is a fungicide that kills mould spores. Plus, as a natural oil, it is safe to use around plants and animals.
You can also prevent mould from growing on your lava rock by keeping it dry. After you water your umbrella plant, make sure to remove any excess water from the lava rock. You can do this by draining the water off of the lava rock or by wiping it down with a paper towel.
You can also try using a different potting medium for your umbrella plant. Instead of using lava rock, you can use gravel, sand, or perlite. These materials are less likely to hold moisture and will not support the growth of mould.
Is Lava Rock Mould Bad for My Umbrella Plant?
No, the mould growing on your lava rock is not bad for your umbrella plant. The mould is not feeding off of the plant and is not causing any harm to it. In fact, many people prefer the mould as it adds character to the lava rock.
While lava rock mould is not bad for your umbrella plant, it can be bad for you if you have allergies or respiratory problems. The mould spores can cause problems for people with these conditions and should be removed from the lava rock.
If you have an allergy or respiratory problem, you should remove the mould from your lava rock and either throw it away or sterilize it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lava rock mould is a common problem but it is easy to fix. The best way to prevent lava rock mould is to keep the rock dry. If you already have mould growing on your lava rock, you can remove it with a brush or by using neem oil.
I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about lava rock mould and how to prevent it. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer them. Thanks for reading!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
