How to get rid of fungus on soil

Fungus in potted plants can be a persistent problem for some growers. In addition to the unattractive appearance of the soil, fungi can attack the plants themselves and eventually kill them. Not only that, but gnats whose larvae feed on fungus may find a home in your plants, adding to the irritation. However, some preventive measures and remedies composed of common-sense practices and household items can take care of the problem. There are also added benefits to some of these remedies, such as eliminating mildew and viral or bacterial diseases.

1. 1.

   Change the potting soil of your plant to a commercial sterilized mix. Ensure the word “sterile” appears on the package. Do not recycle soil from other houseplants or use garden soil. When you have the plant out of the container, sterilize the container by washing in warm, soapy water and rinsing with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Let it dry thoroughly before repotting the plant.

2. 2.

   Reduce watering of houseplants so that the soil dries or nearly dries between waterings. Soil that is too wet encourages fungal growth.

3. 3.

   Brew some strong chamomile tea and allow the tea to steep for several hours after the water boils. Spray the tea onto the soil surface to treat the fungal infection. Drop the leftover tea bags or loose tea into your watering can to get the most out of the chamomile.

4. 4.

   Puree two handfuls of garlic leaves or two cloves of garlic in a blender for one minute. Continue blending while you add a quart of water, then blend for an additional six minutes. Add 1/8 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Mix one part of this garlic solution with 10 parts of water and spray the soil to treat for fungus. You can also spray the tops and undersides of leaves if your plant has fungus or a bacterial disease.

5. 5.

   Dissolve two 325-milligram uncoated aspirin tablets in a quart of water. Spray the solution on soil and plant leaves.

6. 6.

   Mulch your potted plant with gravel, course sand or glass pebbles to reduce soil-surface fungus. This is helpful if the plant requires high moisture but you want to decrease surface moisture.

   Fungus grows in soil in the form of small threadlike structures called hyphae. The hyphae absorb nutrients from the soil and provide a protective environment for plant roots to grow. In many cases, this is beneficial to plants and the soil. However, some fungus may produce harmful toxins that can affect or even kill the plants it has colonized. Fungus spores may also cause serious allergies in humans who inhale them while gardening or working in certain areas of their homes.

   Ways to kill fungus in the soil

   1. Boiling Water:

   Boil water in the kettle and then allow it to cool. Add the cooled water to the containers or bags you are using to store your soil. Water the area daily until fungus growth has been completely destroyed.

   2. Baking Soda:

   Mix one part of baking soda with hot water, stirring thoroughly until all soda is dissolved in water. Pour this mixture into your storage container or bag containing fungus-infected soil and cover before allowing it to sit for two days. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and then repeat, if necessary.

   3. Using Vinegar:

   Vinegar is a natural bacteria killer and will effectively kill fungus in the soil. Mix one part vinegar with two parts of hot water, stirring thoroughly until vinegar is dissolved in water. Pour this mixture into your storage container or bag containing fungus-infested soil and cover before allowing it to sit for two days. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and then repeat, if necessary

   4. Using Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth:

   This works on most types of fungus infestations in garden soil. Spread the diatomaceous earth in an even layer and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, the dust will absorb all the moisture from the soil surrounding it, effectively killing fungus and other pests within a few hours. Water can be added to this mixture after 15 days when the fungus has been completely destroyed.

   5. Using Clove Oil:

   Clove oil is also known for its antifungal properties, making it a great choice for protecting your garden soil against future infestation by fungi. Mix one part clove oil with two parts of water, stirring thoroughly until clove oil is dissolved in water. Pour this mixture into your storage container or bag containing fungus-infested soil and cover, before allowing it to sit for two days. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and then repeat, if necessary.

   6. cinnamon:

   Cinnamon contains a natural fungistatic compound that is effective at killing fungus in the soil. Mix one part of cinnamon to two parts of water, stirring thoroughly until cinnamon is dissolved in water. Pour this mixture into your storage container or bag containing fungus-infested soil and cover before allowing it to sit for two days. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and then repeat, if necessary.

   How can soil fungi be improved?

   Cultivated soil is basically a form of synthetic material (soil), and because of this, it normally has no effect on the growth of fungus, which is cultivated by nature. However, there are several ways to add fungi to your soil that will provide a beneficial environment for the roots of your plants to grow.

   Controlling the Growth of Fungi with Fertilisers:

   Many fertilizers available for sale contain chemicals that have anti-fungal properties. Many chemical fertilizers contain azole fungicides, which are chemicals derived from fungi and therefore also useful for killing fungus in the soil. To determine whether your chemical or organic fertilizer contains azole fungicides, go to the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly.

   Conclusion

   Fungi can be a blessing or a problem in your garden, depending on the conditions they are exposed to. Watering your garden with a tea that contains fungus-killing chemicals can provide added protection against fungus infestation by killing off any lingering spores. Remember, it is up to you to keep the environment of your soil healthy and in balance so that it will support all of your gardening efforts – and the survival of the plants you grow!

   Amelia Eldridge

   Amelia is a plant and nature lover! Ever since she was little, she loved spending time in her family’s garden and learning about how to care for each plant individually. As an adult, she has dedicated herself to sharing what she has learned and continuing to expand her knowledge on the plant kingdom.

   What kills fungus on plant soil?

   Use a natural anti-fungal in the soil of your houseplants – Cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda are all excellent natural antifungal choices. Your houseplant will not be harmed by any of these products.

   Is there a way to remove fungus from soil?

   Baking soda is a simple and affordable way to kill fungus in the soil. It can be used as a spray or mixed with water to pour on the soil. To make the baking soda spray, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of clean water. For more stubborn areas, you can increase the baking soda to 2 tablespoons.

   What is a natural antifungal for soil?

   Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an antifungal agent and can even kill some established forms of fungus. Research has shown it's effective against some kinds of black spot and powdery mildew.