Why the "mold" usually isn't mold – and even a sign of quality.
We regularly receive concerned messages and photos from customers: "Help, my AIRY is full of mold!" They describe white fluff on the plant soil or mineral substrate. So far, we have always been able to reassure them.
It is not mold, but the mycorrhizal fungus.
They reside in the root area of the plants. When the plant is really thriving, the healthy fungus also develops, which then appears on the surface. One could say: the mycorrhiza blooms 🌸.
Mycorrhizal fungi are life-promoting and desired. They live symbiotically with the plant. For humans, they are completely non-toxic, comparable to the noble mold on soft cheese.
Mycorrhizal fungi are an essential part of good soil: they supply the plant with salts like phosphate and nitrate.
Mycorrhizal fungi are even sold as spores to improve soil quality. But with AIRYs, this is usually not necessary because the plant feels optimally cared for in it.
CONCLUSION: Enjoy the white fluff, your plant is doing great! 💪🥳
But plants also experience stress, e.g. due to moving, drafts, too much or too little light, and even from other plants – especially gardeners know this when plants that "don't like" each other stand next to each other.
The author: Elisabeth Böttcher
Elisabeth is the managing director of AIRY and is responsible, among other things, for customer support. She has over ten years of experience with plants growing in the AIRY biofilter and gladly shares her knowledge as an expert along with tips and tricks. She focuses on healthy indoor air, effective plant care, and everything that contributes to a natural, beautiful home.
