Function

• When mold spores land on outdoor plants, they start breaking down the plant material. This gives the mold something to eat and the energy to reproduce by releasing spores into the air.
  
  

Significance

• If you notice that your outdoor plants have mold on them, it is generally a function of being in an environment that is too humid. You may be watering at the wrong time of day or too frequently, or the area around them may not be draining properly.
  
  

Effects

• Mold can and likely will kill the plant over time. First, it will develop lesions or it may actually develop a fuzzy coating as it breaks down the plant material.
  
  

Time Frame

• Mold can develop on a plant literally overnight if the conditions are right (moist and humid). In other cases, it may take several days or weeks after infection for the symptoms to become clear enough that you can spot them.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to prevent mold on outdoor plants is to make sure water in the soil is draining properly. You also must physically remove any infected plant debris from the area. Remove piles of decaying vegetation and only water in the morning, when the soil is dry, not frequently or in the afternoon.
  
  

Warning

• Mold on outdoor plants can not only kill your plants, but it also can hurt your home too. If the mold spores get into your ventilation system, you can have a serious problem on your hands.