I have a mildew crisis on indoor terra cotta pots!
16 years ago
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- 16 years ago
- 16 years ago
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mold on my terra cotta pots
Comments (5)Herbs sort of like a dryish soil, so you may be keeping the soil a little moist. Terra cotta is permeable, and by its nature will allow water seepage through the walls. As water evaporates, the dissolved solids (salts) are left behind. Moss, mold, lichens, even algae can find the moist/semi-moist environment hospitable & "decide" to grow there. It will be difficult to discourage things that want to grow there, unless you resort to frequent mechanical removal (like steel wool). Many, I among them, enjoy these unique patinas on terra cotta. I do know that your level of frustration with the fact that it's there would be greatly diminished if you decide to embrace it rather than be offended by it. Perhaps someone can/will offer a remedy that isn't toxic to what's IN the pot. I can't think of anything I'd use - just off the top .... Take care OF. It's nice to see you here. ;o) Al...See MoreI need a house herb expert, on mildew, lights, pots, and aphids.
Comments (12)Spider mites are often caused by warm, dry conditions. A good rinsing will help get rid of most of them. You can help keep them away with a humidifier (in heated or air-conditioned spaces) or by keeping a window open. You can also set the pots above trays of water, add gravel to your saucers so that they can hold a little water away from your plants, or put a baking dish of water on the radiator. Produce a mild breeze with a fan; good air circulation will also help with things like powdery mildew. It's important not to overwater; herbs are especially sensitive to this. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering thoroughly. Make sure all of your pots drain properly (water runs out the bottom when you water them) and never let the plants have "wet feet", in other words don't ever let the pots sit in even a small amount of water. A spray consisting of a teaspoon of baking soda to a quart of water, with a drop or two of dish soap, will help kill powdery mildew. Apply every week or two until the problem goes away. Meanwhile, promptly remove and throw away any branches that become mildewed. Even though I don't have any outdoor growing space in my city apartment, I've been able to rig up a sunny outdoor window box that can grow herbs pretty well. Is this a possibility for you? Neem is "organic" but I wouldn't want to eat it, partly because it smells like a cross between garlic and peanut butter and tastes terrible. Some of those other sprays, even if they're "environmentally friendly," sound even worse. If you can't grow herbs indoors without sprays, I'd suggest getting rid of them. You'll get cleaner, healthier produce at the farmer's market, and there are plenty of houseplants that are more tolerant of the indoor environment....See MoreGrowing indoors: clay terra cotta vs. plastic pot?
Comments (1)It depends upon the plant. I'd never use terra cotta for something that liked more moist conditions - the terra cotta wicks away too much moisture. For Mediterranean herbs like sage and thyme that prefer more drained conditions, I would. But it all depends upon what I have on hand in the long run. ;) FataMorgana...See Morepainting terra cotta/clay pots
Comments (8)Oh GOOD! I can finally contribute to something I KNOW about..I LEARN sooo much here, and see beautiful crafts, now and then I pipe up and say a thing or two, BUT THIS IS MY THING!!! :) I seal after I paint, Patio Paint has already got sealer in it too, and they make a clear coat sealer. I paint my pots COMPLETE, that could be because I'm a little "anal" though!:) I have done a lot of differebt versions where I only paint the rims and bottoms, or only the top inside rim along with the entire pot. LET ME TELL YOU....THE BEST deal I found was at Wal-Mart about three weeks ago on terra cotta pots, they were practically FREE! The most I paid for one was $1.25, and that was the BIG 16 inch pot. The standard sizes were a dollar or less, I STOCKED UP because I paint the pots and sell them. The most expensive place I have found for pots is JoAnn Fabrics, and Michael's...any craft store of course will cost more. The pots are on clearence now though at Wal-Mart, you should go check it out!! You will SAVE money no matter what!!! The pots soak up the paint so well, I have found that the ones made in Germany give the smoothest finish too...it may sound strange, but I have done A LOT and have learned which pots are better. Let's see, I reccommend the Patio Paint brand completely, it isn't thick, it's easy to work with and it's inexpensive too. Wal-Mart sells bottles for .99 each. You can pay up to $2.00 a bottle at craft stores for the same brand. HAVE FUN!! Good luck and I certainly enjoyed sharing!! Thanks!!...See More- 16 years ago
- 16 years ago
- 16 years ago
- 16 years ago
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