Home > Question >

What is the white layer on the compost around my pot plants?

Our Advice:

This is a mould that feeds on fertiliser residue in the compost. It is worse if you water with hard tap water and liquid feed your plants. Remove the top layer of compost and replace it with fresh peat-based. Also standing these pots in saucers and watering from below to keep the surface of the compost drier and discourage the mould.

Here are some related questions:

Not what you are looking for?

If you can't find what you are looking for on the website then you can ask one of our experts. To get in touch with us Click Here

We will try to get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.

Here is some more information for you:

Did you find this answer useful? Subscribe to our newsletter for gardeing news, projects, special offers and competitions.

Ask another gardening question:

Learn More About Pests and Diseases

Gardening Projects for September

---

How to Store Apples

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to care for your lawn in Autumn

How to protect against birds

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?

How to Take Care of Spring Flowering Bulbs

How do I 'thin' grape bunches?

How do I prune lavender?

Why are my pansies and violas wilting?

How to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Melbourne, Australia

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia

Monet's Garden, Giverny
Giverny, France

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico