09/06/2023
Hey everyone! A few of you have noticed some white growth on the Sphagnum peat moss Root!t sponges lately. This should cause no concern! Here’s a statement from Root!t:
DISCLAIMER: WHITE GROWTH ON ROOT!T SPONGES
Mould will grow on almost any organic source if the humidity is sufficiently high. Moulds are generally created by filamentous fungi that are omnipresent in the environment. Sphagnum peat moss is no different from any other organic matter, such as bark, compost, coir, mulch, etc. The moulds which grow on peat moss and growing media are saprophytic, meaning that they feed on dead plant material and are not pathogenic or harmful to plants or people.
Unfortunately, mould can form unsightly colonies that appear on the surface of packaged growing media and in a few cases may create foul odours. When nitrogen is part of a basic nutrient charge in growing media, the combination of nutrients, moisture, and temperature favour mould formation. This may occur when storage temperatures are high in the summer. Moisture collects between the product and the packaging causing mould to sporulate.
That being said, white mould growth on the ROOT!T Sponges is not harmful, and can indeed be beneficial. We recommend ‘airing’ the plugs and wiping the visible mould off before use. If mould is excessive and completely covers the plugs or if there are other colours than white, caution should be taken. These are natural products and are not sterilised deliberately to maintain a natural microbial life and to help prevent pathogens.
