How to Kill Hydroponic Mold Without Killing Plants

Hydroponic growing systems are series of trays and pumps that allow plants to grow without the use of soil. Instead, the plants' roots sit in the tray filled with a liquid substance that contains the necessary nutrients to sustain life. Because water or liquid is almost constantly present in these systems, problems such as mold and mildew can occur if proper sanitation is not observed. Mold can be treated without killing the plants.

Hand pruners
Rubbing alcohol
Bleach
Fungicide

Instructions

- 1
  Find the plants in the hydroponic system that that are covered by more than 50 percent in mold. Remove them from the system and toss in the trash, as they are more likely to infect other plants and unlikely to be saved.
- 2
  Prune off all stems and leaves from the other plants that have visible mold growing on them. Prune off moldy roots as well, as long as only one or two minor roots are affected.
- 3
  Drain the water and nutrients out of the system, per manufacturer's instructions, then refill the supply tank with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts of water. Turn the system on and flush it through the plant roots to kill any mold spores on the roots or in the trays.
- 4
  Spray all of the plants in the system with a fungicide that is labeled for use on the specific plant sand. Follow the label instructions for application specifics.

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