Mould on cutting compost in plant pots

I've recently been growing some cuttings indoors and notice that in some of the pots the surface of the compost has a thin white mould. Is this relatively harmless or should I scrape the mould off and then add a sprinkling of fresh compost?

 

I think its possibly down to not enough natural light, and a bit too much moisture. Placing in a lighter position should fix it. As the compost dries, moisten it again by misting.

Dave

 

As Agent Orange said - its probably a bit too wet. Remember that cuttings can't really use any water in the soil until they develop roots. So misting the leaves is probably more useful than watering. I would be inclined to let it dry out a bit then mist with a solution of copper compound, which is an anti-fungal.

Its probably a good idea to scrape the mould off as it harbours spores.

 

Thanks to both of you. Curiously enough all I've been doing is misting the cuttings, but they haven't had much direct sunlight so I'll try that.

Thanks to Peter for the copper compound tip as well - is that something that you buy ready made, or a product that you mix up with water?

 

Quite often if you mix 50-50 sharp sand and compost, for cuttings, it will stop the mould forming, by making it better drained.
Alternatively a topping of sand on the pot, not something I do as you cant then see how wet the compost is below.

 

You generally buy it as a powder and make up a solution. The position is changing. The common material was called Cheshunt powder, but that was withdrawn a couple of years ago. It was replaced by the product below, but only tonight did I see the following statement that it too has been withdrawn. I am not sure what the present product is - best to ask in a garden centre.

Its quite a good thing to have, I still use the old Cheshunt compound fairly regularly for seeds.

From the RHS:-

Chemical control
The copper fungicide Fruit and Vegetable Disease Control* is very effective if applied as a preventative drench to seed trays.

*NB: The following products are being withdrawn:

Copper oxychloride (Bayer Garden Fruit and Vegetable Disease Control is being withdrawn and cannot be sold after the 30th November 2014 and remaining stocks must be used or disposed of before the 30th November 2015.

If you can find nothing - you could always use athletes foot powder. Don't laugh - I have used it for cuttings - as it's primarily an anti fungal powder.

However as Pete said - its better to use a mixture of multi-purpose compost and sharp sand, which drains better. I use a 2/3 compost, 1/3 sharp sand mixture for virtually everything - seeds, cuttings, and final potting mix. I very rarely use pure compost. You can buy sharp sand from any builder's merchant.

 

I bought some "copper mixture" by Vitax the other day, I was actually looking for Bordeaux mixture, but I guess the French have banned that .

Its being sold as a soil trace element, , but we all know what its really for.

 

Thanks Peter and Pete (this is getting confusing ) I'll see if I can find the recommended products or alternatives (or athlete's foot powder if necessary).

Edit: Have also seen some recommendations for using cinnamon powder, anyone tried that?

 

Thanks Mad Hedger for the suggestion. I had never heard of it, but have had a Google. It could well have anti-fungal properties, which could be one reason it is used in cooking.

I might use it instead of athlete's foot powder - at least my feet will small nice.

 

Feet that smell of cinnamon? Well, that would certainly be unusual.

 

I shall never have Apple pie or Rice pudding again now without thinking of 'orrible feet thanks to you Lol

 

I wouldn't subject cuttings to direct sunlight, they'll just frazzle I reckon. Just try to give them plenty of light.