One of the benefits of hydroponic gardens is the controlled environment they provide, but even in the best systems, mold can occasionally appear. Mold thrives especially in humid environments, which includes hydroponic gardens. If you’ve spotted mold in your Scentalis Vita system, don’t panic. Here’s everything you need to know about mold in hydroponics, whether it’s harmful, and how to effectively deal with it.
Is mold bad for your plants?
Not all mold is harmful, but it’s important to understand the differences to decide whether action is needed. In most cases, the mold you see growing around your plants is likely a result of excess moisture combined with warm temperatures.
Types of mold you may find:
White mold: This is the most common type of mold found in indoor hydroponic gardens. It’s usually harmless to plants but can indicate poor air circulation or excess moisture.
Green or black mold: This type of mold is rarer in hydroponics but can be harmful. It indicates a more serious issue with air quality or moisture control, and action should be taken immediately.
Fungal growth on plant roots: If mold or fungus appears on plant roots, it could be harmful. Fungi can inhibit root health, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients properly.
While a little mold on the surface of your growing medium may not hurt your plants directly, it can indicate conditions that could lead to bigger problems like root rot or nutrient deficiencies if they're ignored.
How to prevent mold in hydroponic systems
Mold tends to grow in environments with excess moisture, poor airflow, and organic matter. Luckily there are several ways to prevent mold from growing in the first place. By adjusting a few factors, you can create an environment that’s less conducive to mold growth while keeping your plants healthy.
1. Maintain proper airflow
One of the main reasons mold forms is poor airflow. Make sure your Scentalis Vita is placed in an area with good ventilation. You could even consider placing a small fan near the system to keep the air moving. This helps reduce humidity and discourages mold from forming on the surface.
2. Watch your water levels
Hydroponic systems provide a steady supply of water, but it’s important not to overwater. Always monitor the water levels in your Scentalis Vita and avoid overfilling the tank. If the growing medium stays too wet for too long, mold is more likely to appear.
Pro Tip: If you notice mold on the surface of your growing pods, it’s often a sign that water isn’t draining properly or that the environment is too humid.
3. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean
If mold has already appeared, a safe and effective way to clean your system is by using food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in a cup of water and gently wipe down any areas where mold is present. Hydrogen peroxide not only kills mold but also helps disinfect surfaces without harming your plants.
For a deeper clean, you can use hydrogen peroxide when flushing your system between plant cycles. This will help keep the water tank and growing pods mold-free.
4. Reduce humidity
Mold thrives in humid environments, so reducing the humidity around your plants is a simple but effective step. If your indoor environment is particularly humid, consider using a dehumidifier in the room where your Scentalis Vita is located. This helps prevent mold from developing and keeps your plants in a healthy growing environment.
5. Keep unused pod slots covered
If you’re not using all of the pods in your Scentalis Vita, cover the unused slots with tape or caps. Open pod holes allow light and moisture to mix, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Covering these slots reduces the risk of mold formation and keeps the system running efficiently.
How to deal with mold if it appears
If you do notice mold in your hydroponic system, the first step is to identify whether it’s on the plant or the growing medium. Mold on the surface of the growing medium is usually harmless and easy to treat, but mold on the plants themselves or their roots can cause issues.
1. Remove affected plant parts
If you spot mold on the leaves or stems of your plants, you should remove the affected areas. Use sterilized scissors to cut off any moldy parts, and make sure to discard them far away from your hydroponic setup. This will help prevent the mold from spreading to other parts of the plant.
2. Treat the area with hydrogen peroxide
As mentioned earlier, hydrogen peroxide is a great solution for cleaning mold in hydroponics. Use a diluted solution of food-grade hydrogen peroxide and water to wipe down the affected areas and disinfect the system. Make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm your plants.
3. Monitor root health
If mold appears on the roots of your plants, it’s important to act quickly. Gently remove the plant from the system and rinse the roots with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Trim away any severely affected roots and allow the remaining healthy roots to recover in fresh water. Reintroduce the plant to the system once the roots have been cleaned.
4. Increase airflow and reduce moisture
After treating the mold, be sure to improve airflow and reduce moisture in your system to prevent it from returning. Consider adding a fan or reducing the water level slightly to allow the growing medium to dry out a bit between water cycles.
