Fungal Mold on fittonia
What's Happening
High humidity and still air in Fittonia setups (especially terrariums) provide a perfect breeding ground for mold and algae. 1) Surface Mold: Harmless saprophytic fungi decomposing organic matter in soil. 2) Stem Mold: Occurs when water droplets sit on stems in low-airflow spots, leading to fuzzy white growth. 3) Glass Algae: Green film on terrarium walls from excessive light exposure in a wet environment. 4) Bioactive Imbalance: Absence of clean-up crew (springtails) allows mold to thrive unchecked.
How to Fix It
- 1
Increase Airflow: Open terrarium lids for 15-30 minutes daily or add a small computer fan to the enclosure.
- 2
Add Springtails: These tiny invertebrates are the 'holy grail' for Fittonia terrariums; they eat mold and decaying matter before it spreads.
- 3
Spot Treat: Gently wipe mold from stems with a Q-tip dipped in 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- 4
Reduce Light: If algae is growing on glass, move the terrarium further from the window or reduce grow light hours.
How to Prevent It
Always use a drainage layer (leca/stones) in terrariums. Avoid direct contact between Fittonia leaves and glass walls. Use sterile potting media when starting a new setup.