Marianne's Response

Moldy, mildewy, rotting greenhouse plants

I am attempting to propagate geraniums, fuchsias, and wax begonias in my greenhouse this year. I am seeing a moldy-mildewy substance on some of the plants (ones I am holding over), on both the leaves, and at the bottom of the stem on some of my new cuttings. It appears that some of the plants are rotting as a result. What causes this, and how can I remedy it? I’ve lost several of my cuttings already.

Posted by Donna Haley on November 5, 2014

Marianne's Response

It sounds like you could have mildew or botrytis infecting your cuttings. This fungus among us is encouraged by dampness, high humidity and cool weather. Use a quick draining rooting medium such as perlite for rooting cuttings and make sure the greenhouse has a fan for better air circulation. This is not the time to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer as soft growth is more susceptible to infections. Keep everything in the greenhouse very clean including your tools and gloves. Some greenhouse gardeners like to use disposable plastic surgical gloves when working in a cool greenhouse so that they are less likely to spread mold and fungi spores. Commercial greenhouse growers use anti-fungal sprays to control the growth of this common fungi. Owning a greenhouse has a steep learning curve so keep notes and try to learn from your mistakes. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti