Unexpected Visitors: Why Mushrooms are Growing in Your Plant

You may have noticed some unexpected visitors in your plant lately: mushrooms. While mushrooms are a common sight in forests, fields and gardens, finding them growing in your pot can be alarming. Mushrooms are fungal growths that thrive on wet and decaying organic matter. They are an indication that your plant soil is probably too wet or has decaying organic matter in it. Let's take a closer look at why mushrooms are growing in your plant and what you can do about it.

Moisture and Fungi

The most common reason mushrooms sprout in potting soil is due to excessive moisture. Mushrooms thrive in dark and damp environments which allows them to grow quickly. If a soil is excessively wet, fungal spores (which are present in nearly all soils) can germinate, and the fungi can feed on any decaying organic matter present in the potting soil.

Fungi helps to break down organic matter and create rich soil. However, some fungal species produce mushrooms, which can be an indication that there is a lot of decaying organic material in the soil or the soil is too moist. If you see mushrooms appearing, you'll need to remove them to avoid them spreading and to prevent the release of spores that may cause more mushrooms to grow elsewhere.

Organic Matter as a Cause

The second most common reason for mushrooms appearing in your plant is because of the organic matter. When the soil has a high concentration of decaying matter, such as old roots or rotting leaves, mushrooms can grow freely. This is especially true if the soil is compact or too dense. Mushrooms can quickly colonize throughout the soil and even outcompete the roots of your plants.

The excess nutrients created by decomposition can also cause the soil to be too rich for the plant, which can result in stunted growth. To prevent mushrooms from growing along with your plant, it's essential to clean out the old roots and other organic materials regularly, and to ensure the soil is loose and well-drained.

How to Control Mushroom Growth in Your Plant

If you've noticed mushrooms growing in your plant, the first step is to remove them from the soil as they appear. Ensure that your plant is receiving the right amount of light, nutrients, and water you need for optimum plant growth.

Also, you should allow your potting soil to dry slightly before the next watering to prevent excessive moisture. If you've planted your plant in soil that is holding onto water, it's best to repot it into a soil mix that's more porous and drainable.

If you're growing plants indoors, you may need to consider adding a fan or ventilation to dehumidify the atmosphere, ensuring the soil dries out faster. Good ventilation also helps to prevent stale air from creating the perfect environment for mold and fungi to grow.

Conclusion

Mushrooms growing in your plants is not an uncommon sight, but it's also not a sign of a healthy growing environment. Understanding the conditions that cause mushroom growth in your plant will help you take preventative measures to avoid it happening in the future. Ensure you remove both the mushrooms and the decaying organic material that causes them to grow. With the right attention to soil quality and plant care, you can easily prevent mushroom growth in your plant and enable your plants to thrive.