white fungus type thing in asparagus fern roots?

17 years ago

Hello,

I'm a new poster to this forum, and am hoping for some advice.

I've had asparagus fern in a plastic hanging basket for over a year. It needed repotting, and when I took the plant out of the basket, I saw that it was rootbound, and also had a cream-white colored deposit in the soil among the roots. I'm not sure if it is a fungus. It doesn't look like mineral deposit to me, but again, I'm not sure. I'm trying to attach a picture; hopefully that'll be useful. The plant itself has been overwintering inside my house for the winter. It shows some yellowing, but overall doesn't look bad.

Please advise me regarding what this thing might be, and what I should do about it.

Thanks in advance,

Anchita

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Comments (10)

spiritualcipher
17 years ago
Could it be salt build-up? I see alot of heavy, thick salt build-up on my clay pots.
anchita
Original Author
17 years ago
I too have that salt build-up on clay pots... I guess it could be that. But it does seem to have a different "consistency." This is moister, and almost beady in shape... But I dunno if the salt build-up might look this different when on soil instead of pots.

In case it is salts, should I just rinse the roots and repot the plant?

Thanks,
Anchita
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spiritualcipher
17 years ago
Im really, really new at this too. Im not sure and dont want to give the wrong advice.

I havent seen fungus yet, mostly salt on the pots and top layer of soil.

Prehaps trying to brush it off a bit would help. Exposure to a little sunlight may dry it up?
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
That isn't from a build-up of salts. It's a mold or fungus that is growing in the potting medium. It probably became inoculated while outside and has found the organic content of the mix quite hospitable.
spiritualcipher
17 years ago
Is there any way to treat it?
anchita
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the diagnosis, rhizo! I'm relieved to know what it is... I'm planning to remove the plants from the pot, discard the soil, clean the pot thoroughly and rinse off the roots, and repot with store-bought potting mix. Should that be enough or do you think it should be treated with specific anti-fungals? What would those be?

Thanks very much,
Anchita
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
I don't think that it's the type of fungus that will affect your plant....and will not respond to fungicides. Others have posted this same stuff over the years, and I have seen it myself, but believe it to be saprophytic (feeds on organic matter, not living stuff).
anchita
Original Author
17 years ago
Oh okay, that's good to know. I was wondering about that, as the plant didn't show deterioration proportionate to the extent of the fungus.

I guess I'll just rinse and repot then.

Thanks again,
Anchita
renee_gardener
17 years ago
My Indoor fern has a cocoon type fungus in the center. There is also white spots/flakes going up the stems. Otherwise the plant is perfectly green, healthy, has new growth. It is housed in an office in a east facing window. If anyone has any idea, please help. I have another fern next to it and so far nothings on it.
Thanks,
Renee'
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
renee, perhaps you could obtain some good images of this problem and post your question under a brand new heading. That way, you are more likely to get the attention that you deserve for your problem. But, a picture would sure help!

white fungus type thing in asparagus fern roots?

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white fungus type thing in asparagus fern roots?

Comments (10)

spiritualcipher

anchitaOriginal Author

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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