Indoor plant care: Managing mold and yellowing leaves

Common issues in indoor plant care include white spots on soil and yellowing leaves in orchids. White spots on potting soil are often caused by mold, which thrives in environments with excessive moisture, poor ventilation, or low light levels, particularly during winter. To prevent root rot, it is recommended to remove surface mold or repot the plant.

In orchids, yellowing leaves can be a natural part of the aging process if only a single bottom leaf is affected. However, widespread yellowing may indicate care errors such as waterlogging, which leads to root rot, or extreme dryness. Other factors include improper sunlight exposure, nitrogen deficiency, or fertilizer mismanagement.