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.

check behind the leaves but looks like a mold to me