what is this mould?

[bubbles4920]

my friend recently gave me a primula? which she had grown from a leaf. since bringing it home, the leaf from where it rooted originally seems to have white mould growing on it. this is also happening to another small 2 ins shoot where already 2 flowers have openied. one leaf on the shoot is almost dead and the other every day is gathering more white mould. how can i stop this so that the plant doesnt die? i thought of spraying a very mild washing up liquid solution on it but wasnt sure it this would make it worse!

[Thunderbird+]

Hi bubbles, I'm guessing here, but i think your primula may really be a 'Streptocarpus' (not a true primula) These are easily grown/propagated from a leaf . Once they are well rooted and have become indipendant from the old leaf, they can be seperated and the leaf can be disposed of.

The white mould you discribe sounds like powdery mildew which can be sprayed with a house plant fungicide such as 'chestnut compound', if removing the old leafe is not an option. Good Luck Tbird+

[bubbles4920]

thanks for your reply. just wondered if there was more of a household solution that i could use as i dont really want to have to spend money on something that i am only going to use once.Also, what has caused this mildew to grow?

[Thunderbird+]

I dont think washing up liquid will do it, if its powdery mildew but preventative measures may be the best way forward.
This type of mould thrives best in dry shade, so keep it light and airy with plenty of ventillation.
Remove any dead or decaying plant material.
Occaisionally give the leaves a fine mist spray with water.
On mild rainy days, the plant will benifit by being put outside for a while.
Keep it moist but not waterlogged, the water should be seen to drain through fairly quickly.
Hope this will be of help, Good Luck Tbird+