Often white mushrooms suddenly appear on the potting soil. They look like real mushrooms, with a thin base and a small cap. Are the mushrooms poisonous and where do they come from? In any case, they do not belong in a flower pot.

White mushrooms are not uncommon in the flower pot

Where do the mushrooms come from?

Erroneously, it is usually assumed that mushrooms develop when too much is poured. The origin of the potting soil could also be the reason. However, neither is correct. Mushrooms develop wherever there is a high proportion of humus in the soil, because the task of the fungi is to decompose organic material. If the potting soil used is heavily interspersed with peat, fungal spores will find good soil for their development. Mushrooms grow particularly well when there is still constant moisture and warm temperatures.

Are fungi in potting soil harmful?

The fungi are initially not harmful to the plants. However, if they are not removed, they form a film on the surface that repels the irrigation water. As a result, not enough water penetrates into the plant via the roots, and the oxygen supply also suffers. Gradually the plant will wither away.

But not only the plants are damaged by the fungi. It is well known that fungi reproduce through spores. These are released into the air and are inhaled by humans. Fungal spores that nest in the respiratory tract lead to allergies, and in the worst case to asthmatic attacks. Countermeasures are absolutely necessary.

Fight fungi in the flower pot and prevent re-infestation

If you discover white mushrooms in the flower pot, it is time to take countermeasures. Take action as follows:

  1. Put the plant in fresh air, ventilate the room.
  2. Repot the plant.
  3. Remove all potting soil, shake out the roots carefully.
  4. Using a knife or scissors, reduce the root ball by a quarter.
  5. If you want to use the old flower pot again, wash it with a vinegar solution.
  6. Let the pot dry out well.
  7. Plant your plant in good quality potting soil.

If you want to prevent a new fungus infestation, make sure that the humidity in the room is not too high. Ventilate regularly. Only water the plant when the top layer of soil has dried well.

Category:

Garden design