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House Plants garden

Mushrooms in Snake Plant

2 months ago

Just discovered these mushrooms in my indoor snake plant…are these okay or a sign of bad fungus that I should treat???

some additional context: I separated the plant last spring into two, this half has been in this pot for a year, was in a sunnier location but I moved apartments 4 months ago its new location doesnt get bright light. It seemed to have been doing fine although not thriving and growing like crazy like it used to. there are new shoots coming up so i know its not dying.

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Comments (4)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 months ago
Virtually all mushrooms that appear growing with houseplants are harmless saprophytic fungi that live off of dead organic matter - the peat, coir, bark, compost, etc. - in the potting soil. But they can also be an indicator of overwatering or excessively moisture retentive soil media.

Just pull them out if you don't like or they will disappear on their own in a few days.
tapla
2 months ago
Hi, Emily - what Pam said, +, plants have evolved to live side by side with thousands of species of fungi, some of which plants for beneficial relationships with (symbiosis) and a few of which are pathogenic. What you see are simply the fruiting bodies of whatever particular fungi has found conditions in the pot favorable enough to fruit. Unless there is a fungal infection by one of the fungi commonly grouped under the umbrella of "damping off diseases", there should be nothing to be concerned about. The damping off diseases are usually the result of too much water and not enough air in the grow medium. Yours are actually quite attractive, what with the stark contrast in color and texture/ shape. The 'cute factor' will wane as they start to go over (fade); but, as long as you have them, there is no notable benefit to either keeping them or removing them. Rest easy.

Al
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If it's a bright yellow, it could be a variety of mushroom that commonly occurs on potting soil. If so, you'll know in short order because the things grow very fast. If it is a mushroom, get rid of it ASAP. It won't harm the plant, but spores are produced quickly & you'll have repeat performances at regular intervals. Let us know what it turns out to be . . .
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Hi, Raquel! Please don't put worm castings or vermiculite in the pot of any plant. Worm castings = too muddy. Vermiculite collapses under the slightest pressure when wet. Vermiculite can be handy for starting seeds, but isn't suitable for a more long-term planting. Both castings & vermiculite will cause the soil to have insufficient oxygen, inviting root rot (overwatering.) Roots need oxygen & moisture at the same time to function and stay healthy. Look for something that is much more chunky/fluffy/airy/porous, so roots won't rot. Unglazed clay pots can help enormously if you are prone to "overwatering" plants. These 2 posts can explain in much more detail: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1490818/good-growing-practices-an-overview-for http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1497307/ukeeping-u-them-looking-good
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Comments (5)
I don't think mushrooms are dangerous, but they indicate moisture that may be too much for the plant. Peat most likely keeps the mix too wet. I do not see reason for adding peat. Perlite helps drainage, but there should be more of it than what's visible in your photos. How do you know that soil is "pretty much dry"? It may look dry on surface, but could be still quite wet deeper.
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Comments (1)
Give it a try! Our daughter used to cut pieces of the “leaf” and stick it in soil… kept it watered and it grew roots.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 months ago
pam who?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 months ago
Me Pam :-) I have known Al for a very long time and we are on a first name basis.

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