Asked on Oct 19, 2014
How do I stop mushrooms from growing in my houseplant?
by
Gabby
+11
So, I have this umbrella tree which I recently repotted, ever since I added new potting soil it has been growing these little mushrooms. It's not a huge deal, but I'd rather not have them (my 3 year old asked if he could eat one). Anyone know how to stop the mushrooms without killing the plant?
The most recent one that showed up this morning.
13 answers
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Mushrooms grow due to a fungus in the soil; I get them in my lawn. I carefully remove them, from the bottom of their stem, then treat with a mixture of water and dish soap. Only need a little soap. Should not hurt your tree.
TwilaB
on Oct 19, 2014
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Awesome, thank you!
Gabby
on Oct 19, 2014
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Just repot with different soil....Mushrooms are just a sign of healthy microbes...but with kids...also could add some mulch to it
Jen
on Oct 19, 2014
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You are lucky that your child asked and did not go ahead and try to eat this fungus. Could be poisonous if it is a toadstool and not a mushroom. Maybe there was mushroom compost in the potting mix you used. If TwilaB's solution does not work then I would repot using new clean potting mix.
Carole
on Oct 19, 2014
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@13 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.hometalkDid them out, roots and all. Through them away.
Christine Brown
on Oct 20, 2014
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change all of the soil and then repot
Happy go luckiy 70ish crafter and home maker
on Oct 20, 2014
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I don't know if this works, but I heard that spreading cornmeal on soil will kill fungus. Has anyone ever tried this?
Deb
on Oct 20, 2014
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Not the cornmeal you use for recipes. Check out this site! http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Cornmeal-Uses-and-Reports_vq18.htm Or, in your search browser box, type in "cornmeal in the garden".
TwilaB
on Oct 20, 2014
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Lots of good ideas here, thanks all, I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Gabby
on Oct 20, 2014
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eat them
Ken Newman
on Oct 20, 2014
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Even if you replace the soil, they may come back. The safest thing to do, for your plant and for your child, is to simply remove them as soon as they appear.
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 20, 2014
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I worked a few years in a garden center, and had this question before. It may not be your total answer to repot, but that will help. "Toadstools" are a fungus that, once in the soil, will continue to show up. However, this fungus loves moist, shady areas. Make sure you have adequate drainage for your pot. Let your soul dry out occasionally. Also, it will benefit your plant as well as help stop the fungus, if you will rotate your plant once or twice a week. It assists even growth, and stops fungus from taking hold as readily. There are also sprays (some organic) that you can use to thwart that kind of growth. Check with a local nursery. Good luck!
Angela Oravetz
on Oct 20, 2014
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To prevent them from even occurring try a lot of air circulation and more sunlight just slightly. Though everyone's else answers here are also terrific, Good Luck.
Suzette Trimmer
on Feb 14, 2015
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