Organic rice hulls, regular vs carbonized

Thanks for taking time to respond. The powdery white appearance is not mold; it is residue from diatomaceous earth recently sprinkled and partially dusted from leaves. Speckled appearance may also leftover from minor thrip attack about 10 days ago. I agree that the plant should be further along by now and suspect that early overwatering (also) stunted growth of plant. Live and learn, etc. Thanks in particular for input on organic rice hulls, which were recommended to me as an substitute for perlite that deters fungus gnat and other pest larvae. Whether the difference between carbonized and non-charred hulls affects risk for mold is the sort of information I seek (vs. to mulch or not) for purposes of general knowledge.

On top of my other answer, your plant is stunted heavily, it should have been much bigger by now. It also appears to have powdery mildew on its leaves, this spore resides in the soil and lives there for years unless its composted out or killed with heat. I'd recommend using a potting mix or bagged living soil from a good greenhouse.

Carbonized meaning burnt and turned to char? Normal ones would not be burnt and would be a vector for mold long term. I pluck any lower growth and leaves to prevent disease from spreading easily. Bark is a great defence so it does not need any help, leaves not so much. I only mulch if its outside and even then if its a tree or shrub something longer then one season of growing. Could use dried grass clippings all the same and replace them once a month if you really want to continue this. Grind up the rice huls and turn them into fibre you can drink or mix them into your outdoor soil. Good Luck!

check behind the leaves but looks like a mold to me