White mold on houseplant compost

I received the attached from a new member in respect of three houseplants he's bought.

"The soil that the plants are in is turning white-furry like and it's hardening.. I have only had the plants for three weeks.. I bought them from a super market.I have been careful not to over water them.
Could you give me any advise on what the problem may be and do you know how I prevent this in the future. thank you"

I think from the description that this is a mold, common on peat rich compost - and I would remove the top layer, and replace something like vermiculite. But I am no expert on house plants. So can anyone else provide an answer to this for Richard.

 

I think your right Fran, if the top of the compost is allowed to dry out between waterings it tends not to happen.
Could try watering from the bottom for a while.
Personally I dont like top dressings on pots, I know it makes them look nice for exibitors ect. but it makes it very difficult to tell how wet a pot is.

[ 12. August 2005, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: pete2255 ]

 

Peat and compost, is not what it used to be...I get this all the time now, specially on plants I keep in greenhouse all summer...I scrape it off every so often and add Perlite mixed with a bit of silver sand to top.

Ladybird

 

Thanks for all your responses and I hope the new member saw them.