Mushrooms growing in houseplants is nothing to worry about as they will do nothing to damage the plant. Still, they are good indicators that something could be wrong with the plant or the way you grow it.

Mushrooms growing in houseplants is actually a very common occurrence, so if this happens for whatever reason, don’t panic, as it happens to almost everyone, including me.

Potted plants are where mushrooms like to grow the most. While it might seem strange to see mushrooms growing alongside your favorite houseplant, it’s actually a sign that your plant is in a generally healthy environment.

However, there may be something wrong with the plant or the soil. Since potted plants don’t have as free drainage as outdoor plants, it is likely for their soil to be moister than needed.

Let’s learn what to do when mushrooms grow in your plants.

Mushroom Growing in Houseplant: What to Do?

If you’ve got a mushroom growing in your houseplant, what should you do about it? First and foremost, don’t get too curious and smell it or taste it.

It will probably be perfectly safe to eat, though it may taste hideous, don’t test your luck and keep it away from your nose, mouth, and eyes, so wash your hands before touching your face.

If you’re seeing mushrooms popping up in your plants frequently, it might be a sign that you need to adjust your watering or ventilation habits. Ensure your plant gets enough light and air circulation, and avoid over-watering. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your houseplants healthy and mushroom-free.

Stay tuned if you want to know more about the hows, whys, and whats regarding mushrooms in your houseplants. Below, I will tell you everything you need to know about this little organism living in your pots.

Why Do Mushrooms Grow In Houseplants?

Since mushroom spores are everywhere, it is more likely to have mushrooms growing in your houseplants than not having them. They take very little to settle in the pot and start growing. Still, they won’t be comfortable just anywhere, so they do require specific conditions.

Mushroom spores are constantly floating around in the air, and they can easily land on the soil or the surface of your houseplants. So, it’s not surprising that they sometimes take hold and start growing.

Mushrooms don’t need much to grow, but they do need a few. The most critical condition they require is moisture, and the second one is warmth. Houseplants live inside and are regularly watered, providing both conditions for successful mushroom growth.

If your houseplant is located in a particularly damp spot, particularly humid like a bathroom or a basement, expect to see mushrooms growing from the soil and move your plant to another spot if you want to get rid of the mushrooms.

Mushrooms can also benefit from the nutrients in the soil of houseplants, which can help them grow more quickly and robustly, and let’s face it, we all pamper our plants.

Another reason why mushrooms grow in your houseplants is overwatering. If you’re watering your plant too frequently or too abundantly, the soil can become waterlogged and provide the perfect breeding ground for mushrooms.

Another interesting thing to note is that mushrooms are often just the visible part of a much more extensive network growing under the soil’s surface. This fungal network consists of tiny threads called connecting the mushrooms through their roots. When conditions are right, these threads can start producing mushrooms that pop up through the soil. So, where you see one, you will soon see many.

The good news is that most mushrooms that grow in houseplants are harmless. They won’t cause any damage to the plant itself, and most aren’t toxic to humans or pets, but they aren’t edible.

Still, there are some exceptions to this, so it’s always a good idea to be cautious if you’re unsure what type of mushroom you’re dealing with.

It is worth knowing that mushrooms could actually be good for your houseplants. They help break down organic matter in the soil and release nutrients the plant can use to grow. Still, they may also be a sign that you are doing something wrong.

So, while mushrooms in houseplants may seem like a strange occurrence, they’re actually a natural part of the ecosystem and can even be beneficial for your plant. Just make sure you’re taking care of your plant correctly and keeping an eye on the soil moisture to prevent an overgrowth of fungi.

How Do Mushrooms Grow In Houseplants?

As I already mentioned, mushrooms grow from spores and need damp and humid environments. When it comes to houseplants, mushrooms can start growing if the soil is consistently moist, there isn’t enough airflow around the plant, and the humidity levels are high.

Basically, what happens is that the damp soil provides a perfect breeding ground for the mushrooms to grow. And since there isn’t enough airflow around the plant, the humidity levels stay high, which also helps the mushrooms thrive. If you don’t have enough ventilation at home, expect mushrooms to become your roommates.

If you want to prevent mushrooms from growing in your houseplants, there are a few things you can do. The first thing to do is to not overwater your plants. Check the soil for moisture every time before watering the plants.

If the soil is soft and noticeably moist, don’t water. You can also add a layer of mulch or gravel to the top of the soil, which can help to discourage mushroom growth by keeping the surface of the soil drier. And, of course, you can always just pluck the mushrooms out and dispose of them.

Mushrooms growing from your plants are nothing to worry about, though they could be creepy and unappealing. Still, it is a good idea to look into it because mushrooms growing in your houseplants might be an alarm that something is happening to them.

How To Prevent Mushrooms From Growing In Houseplants?

First of all, if you don’t mind the mushrooms and your plant seems healthy, there is no reason to prevent or remove mushrooms from growing in your houseplants. Mushrooms could be useful for your plants, and you shouldn’t be disrupting the ecosystem in your pot if there is no need.

However, while mushrooms themselves aren’t necessarily harmful to your houseplant, they can be an indicator of an underlying issue with your plant’s soil or care. So, if you see mushrooms growing in your houseplants, you may want to inspect the plants and make sure they are healthy.

You may be overwatering your pants, which is very probable if mushrooms start growing. Overwatering your plants can rot their roots, causing the plant to die. So, the mushrooms can be a warning sign for this.

Still, if you want to prevent mushrooms from growing in your houseplant, you absolutely can.

Firstly, make sure you’re not overwatering your plant – only water it when the soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to use a well-draining soil mix. Also, remove any mushrooms you see growing as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading spores and multiplying.

Avoid using organic matter in your soil mix, as this can contribute to the growth of mushrooms. Use a sterile potting mix specifically designed for indoor plants instead. Layer the soil with sand or small pebbles. They absorb excess moisture preventing mushroom growth.

Since your plants grow indoors, it’s easier to control the environment, meaning you can adjust the air humidity and prevent mushrooms from growing. Also, mushrooms prefer dark spots, so you may want to place your plants near a window where there is light.

Of course, some plants do better in the shade, but still, they need light, so instead of keeping your plant in a darker room, place it under indirect sunlight, which will be just enough to prevent mushrooms from growing.

I don’t recommend using anti-fungal preparations unless the mushrooms are harmful to the plant.

Lastly, keep in mind that mushrooms have a symbiotic nature, and they are as important for the plant as the plant is for them. If you don’t find them creepy or unappealing and they don’t harm the plant, there is absolutely no need to mess with them and disrupt the balance in the pot.

On the other hand, if you want them gone at any cost and for whatever reason, please be very gentle and don’t stress the plant. Star by adding less water to it, placing it at a different spot, or adding a layer of pebbles or sand on top of the soil.

Resources:

• https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/publications/00029/MUSHDO.HTM#:~:text=The%20mushroom’s%20mycelium%20weaves%20itself,is%20considered%20a%20symbiotic%20relationship.
• https://www.patchplants.com/gb/en/read/plant-care/how-to-get-rod-of-mushrooms-in-soil/