What’s the problem?
I’ve noticed tiny mushrooms popping up in my houseplant’s soil. Are they dangerous, and should I be worried?
Diagnosis
What you are seeing are the fruiting bodies of fungi that were already present in the compost – they’re very common and usually nothing to panic about. These fungi thrive in moist, organic-rich soil, and mushrooms appear when conditions are just right, often after a period of regular watering and warm weather. While not harmful to your plant, they are toxic if eaten, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Prescription
You can pinch or cut the mushrooms off at the soil level and dispose of them. This will not eliminate the fungus, since it lives in the soil, but it will prevent the spread of spores. If you want to control their return, replace the top layer of soil or repot your plant in fresh compost.
Prevention
Mushrooms are a sign of healthy microbial life in the soil, but if you prefer to keep them at bay, allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, and ensure your plant is not sitting in excess water. Regularly aerating the soil with a fork and keeping your pots in bright, well-ventilated areas also helps.
Got a plant dilemma? Email saturday@theguardian.com with ‘Houseplant clinic’ in the subject line
