White mushrooms often 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 don't belong in a flower pot.
What to do if there are white mushrooms in the flower pot?
White mushrooms in flower pots are caused by fungal spores in humus-rich, moist soil and are not directly harmful to plants. However, they can cause allergies and affect the plant's water and oxygen supply. To get rid of them, transplant the plant and place it in high-quality potting soil.
Where do the mushrooms come from?
It is often mistakenly assumed that mushrooms arise when watering too much. 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 fungi's job is to decompose organic material. If the potting soil used is heavily mixed with peat, fungal spores will find good soil for their development. When there is constant humidity and warm temperatures, mushrooms grow particularly well.
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. This means that not enough water penetrates the plant through the roots, and the oxygen supply also suffers. Little by little the plant will wither away.
But it's not just the plants that are damaged by the fungi. It is known that fungi reproduce through spores. These are released into the air and are inhaled by humans. Fungal spores that lodge in the respiratory tract lead to allergies and, in the worst case, asthmatic attacks. Countermeasures are absolutely necessary.
Fight fungi in flower pots and prevent new infestation
If you discover white mushrooms in the flower pot, it's time to take countermeasures. Against you as follows:
- Put the plant in the fresh air, ventilate the room.
- Repot the plant.
- Remove all potting soil and shake out the roots carefully.
- Reduce the root ball by a quarter using a knife or scissors.
- If you want to reuse the old flower pot, wash it with a vinegar solution.
- Let the pot dry out thoroughly.
- Place your plant in high-quality potting soil (€12.00 on Amazon).
If you want to prevent further fungal 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 thoroughly.
