How to avoid mold in your hydroponic grow room

I can't mention enough the importance of the environment when growing plants in hydroponic indoor gardens. Ignoring it's importance means your plants will suffer but even worse YOU are creating a breeding ground for molds like powdery mildew. If you have seen small white spots that resemble flour or icing sugar you need to read on... 

Remember mold spores are microscopic - therefore prevention is our only defence against mold spores that hide in growing media, clones, ducting, carpets, clothing and grow room equipment. 

What mold needs to arrive and thrive!

Well first thing to ensure is that you are not providing the ideal breeding ground for mold - try to maintain between 40 and 55 percent relative humidity during the growth periods and between 25 and 45 percent during flowering phase. This can be monitored with ease using the AirComfort Wireless Temperature Humidity Sensor. You can set alarms to alert you when and if your humidity and temps exceed your desired levels. Armed with an AirComfort and following the below steps you will offer no invitation to mold:

  • Ensure your plants are not over crowded
  • Provide good air circulation
  • Avoid over watering your plants 
  • Keep your growing area super clean
  • Always remove any dead leaves 
  • Select more mold resistance varieties
  • Keep grow room humidity 45 % or below (plant development stage allowing)

If you think a plant has mold move it out ASAP and if you smell damp - investigate before it's too late!

Growing after mold....

Once you accepted that you had mold and certainly don't want it again then you will need to ensure the below steps at least have been undertaken if you intend on a healthy problem free yield next time round:

  • Ensure the total growing area and all equipment are sterilised now & in between cycles
  • Throw away all growing media - don't be tempted to reuse anything
  • Consider running a sulfur burner before next cycle
  • Get all your future clones from reputable sources or grow your own

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure - and of all the avoidable pest problems faced when growing indoor plants, flowers or vegetables - I would say mold this is the worse, and would rather be cursed with spidermite...If your on top of your game and see spidermite early enough you can certainly save your crops!

It's the opposite am afraid for customers who find themselves with mold in the latter stages of the flowering phase ....if you care for your health - then just bin it..and stay safe. Ensure you learn from this nightmare experience we sell many products for preventing and combating molds - visit our Plant Health Products to see our full range.

Have you had mold in your grow room & how did you deal with it?