This is a first…. Mold build up from bottom watering? Is ...
2ft to light, indirect
8” pot with drainage
Last watered 5 days ago
1
Hi! This definitely looks unusual.
It appears to be fungal or mold growth, likely white mold (possibly Sclerotinia or a similar type), and it’s sprouting through the drainage holes of your pot. That usually happens in moist, dark conditions, often combined with decaying organic matter like dead roots or overly compacted soil. However, underwatering itself typically doesn’t cause mold like this — it’s more often the result of poor drainage, old soil, or inconsistent watering, where the soil stays damp in parts while dry in others.
Should you repot?
Yes, I’d highly recommend repotting, especially since:
• That mold indicates the soil is not healthy.
• There may be root rot or dead root matter inside.
• It’s better to give your aglaonema fresh, sterile soil to recover and grow better.
What to do:
1. Take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots.
• Healthy roots should be white or light tan.
• Trim any mushy, black, or rotting roots.
2. Clean the pot thoroughly with soap and hot water, or use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
3. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil.
• Use a mix suitable for aroids or houseplants, with perlite or orchid bark added if needed.
4. Water lightly after repotting, and avoid overwatering while it adjusts.
5. If mold keeps returning, consider improving airflow or adding cinnamon to the topsoil (it’s naturally antifungal).
Let’s get your aglaonema back to a healthy, happy state. Here’s a step-by-step repotting guide plus a great soil mix recipe just for aglaonemas (and other aroids too):
Repotting Checklist
What you’ll need:
• Fresh potting soil (see custom mix below)
• A clean pot with drainage holes
• Gloves (optional, but helpful)
• Clean scissors or pruning shears
• Water
• Optional: cinnamon or activated charcoal (natural antifungal)
Custom Soil Mix for Aglaonema
Aglaonemas like loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Here’s a good mix:
• 2 parts high-quality potting soil (like Espoma Organic or FoxFarm Ocean Forest)
• 1 part perlite (for airflow and drainage)
• 1 part orchid bark or coco husk chips (for chunky structure)
• Optional: ½ part worm castings or compost (for nutrients)
If you don’t have all these, even 2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite is a good improvement over dense store-bought soil.
Steps to Repot:
1. Remove the plant gently from the pot.
• If it’s stuck, squeeze the sides of the pot or use a butter knife around the edges.
2. Shake off excess soil and gently rinse the roots in water.
3. Inspect the roots:
• Healthy roots: firm, white or tan.
• Bad roots: mushy, black, smelly — trim these off with sterilized scissors.
4. Optional: Dust root ends with cinnamon or activated charcoal if rot was present.
5. Clean the old pot (or use a new one).
6. Repot in fresh soil, and lightly water it just enough to moisten the new mix.
7. Place in bright, indirect light and avoid fertilizing for 2–4 weeks while it settles.
Extra Tips:
• Going forward, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Stick your finger in to check!
• Avoid letting the pot sit in a saucer of water.
• If your space is humid or airflow is low, a fan can help prevent mold buildup.
I really hope this helps, I hope your Aglaonema feels better soon!
It appears to be fungal or mold growth, likely white mold (possibly Sclerotinia or a similar type), and it’s sprouting through the drainage holes of your pot. That usually happens in moist, dark conditions, often combined with decaying organic matter like dead roots or overly compacted soil. However, underwatering itself typically doesn’t cause mold like this — it’s more often the result of poor drainage, old soil, or inconsistent watering, where the soil stays damp in parts while dry in others.
Should you repot?
Yes, I’d highly recommend repotting, especially since:
• That mold indicates the soil is not healthy.
• There may be root rot or dead root matter inside.
• It’s better to give your aglaonema fresh, sterile soil to recover and grow better.
What to do:
1. Take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots.
• Healthy roots should be white or light tan.
• Trim any mushy, black, or rotting roots.
2. Clean the pot thoroughly with soap and hot water, or use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
3. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil.
• Use a mix suitable for aroids or houseplants, with perlite or orchid bark added if needed.
4. Water lightly after repotting, and avoid overwatering while it adjusts.
5. If mold keeps returning, consider improving airflow or adding cinnamon to the topsoil (it’s naturally antifungal).
Let’s get your aglaonema back to a healthy, happy state. Here’s a step-by-step repotting guide plus a great soil mix recipe just for aglaonemas (and other aroids too):
Repotting Checklist
What you’ll need:
• Fresh potting soil (see custom mix below)
• A clean pot with drainage holes
• Gloves (optional, but helpful)
• Clean scissors or pruning shears
• Water
• Optional: cinnamon or activated charcoal (natural antifungal)
Custom Soil Mix for Aglaonema
Aglaonemas like loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Here’s a good mix:
• 2 parts high-quality potting soil (like Espoma Organic or FoxFarm Ocean Forest)
• 1 part perlite (for airflow and drainage)
• 1 part orchid bark or coco husk chips (for chunky structure)
• Optional: ½ part worm castings or compost (for nutrients)
If you don’t have all these, even 2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite is a good improvement over dense store-bought soil.
Steps to Repot:
1. Remove the plant gently from the pot.
• If it’s stuck, squeeze the sides of the pot or use a butter knife around the edges.
2. Shake off excess soil and gently rinse the roots in water.
3. Inspect the roots:
• Healthy roots: firm, white or tan.
• Bad roots: mushy, black, smelly — trim these off with sterilized scissors.
4. Optional: Dust root ends with cinnamon or activated charcoal if rot was present.
5. Clean the old pot (or use a new one).
6. Repot in fresh soil, and lightly water it just enough to moisten the new mix.
7. Place in bright, indirect light and avoid fertilizing for 2–4 weeks while it settles.
Extra Tips:
• Going forward, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Stick your finger in to check!
• Avoid letting the pot sit in a saucer of water.
• If your space is humid or airflow is low, a fan can help prevent mold buildup.
I really hope this helps, I hope your Aglaonema feels better soon!