Mushrooms immediately associate people with harmful properties. But does this apply to every species of spore plants? And can the spores even be transmitted to people if they sit on the houseplant? Here you can find out what risk to your he alth comes from a fungal infection on your houseplant.
Are fungi in houseplants harmful to he alth?
Mushrooms in houseplants are generally not harmful to people with an intact immune system. However, allergy sufferers may be sensitive to spores and pets or small children should be kept away from affected plants.
Causes
Mushrooms feel comfortable in a warm environment. Too much water combined with high humidity provides the spore plants with optimal breeding ground. Under these conditions, yellow, white or brown mushrooms sprout in the flower pot.
Tip
Be careful with plastic pots. Since the material repels moisture, the irrigation water accumulates in the substrate.
How harmful are fungi on houseplants?
Danger to humans
If the immune system is intact, there are no risks of harmful he alth consequences. Houseplants in particular usually grow in such small pots that the amount of fungi that form is so small that there is no danger. The bigger the bucket, the more you should worry. Because mushrooms are not entirely harmless. People with allergies are very sensitive to the spore plants. Even if there is no allergy, an autoimmune disease can develop. Pets and small children should always be kept away from affected plants.
Note: Warm temperatures in summer promote the development of fungi in the potting soil. The warm season also poses another source of danger: if you use a fan to cool, the spores spread everywhere in the room and increase the symptoms in allergy sufferers.
Danger to the plant
Mushrooms do not harm the plant itself. However, a severe infestation can cause the top substrate layer to become compacted and the plants to suffocate in the non-aerated soil.
Preventing fungi
Make sure the location conditions are suitable. You should also choose a permeable substrate and check your watering behavior. The best way to do this is with a thumb test. Only water again when the top layer of substrate has dried. If mushrooms are already sprouting from the soil, it is best to pot your houseplant in fresh substrate. Then clean the old bucket thoroughly with vinegar water or high-percentage alcohol.
