First things first. Dont panic. Those white fuzzy balls that look like insect eggs, tiny cotton balls or white fuzz over the top of your soil, are most likely harmless to your plants, and not a sign of an imminent bug infestation (the fuzz or hairs around the spheres is a good sign its fungi not eggs). Not to be confused with Perlite of course (which looks like small, round, white balls, but wont be fuzzy).
Amazon links in this post may be affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I only recommend products that I have used myself. Learn more
What they are likely to be are a common type of fungi called saprophytic fungi. Thats not a pathogenic or harmful fungi. Those little white, fuzzy balls are likely just fungal hyphae and the fuzziness around the spheres are the roots of the hyphae. Left to grow, you may end up with mushrooms next.
If youre already at the mushroom stage heres what those yellow houseplnt mushrooms are and what to do about them (Ive had my fair share of cute yellow mushrooms pop up in my Peace Lilies in particular).
Lets take a look at what those fuzzy white balls are, where they come from, what they do, and what to do about it when you find mould, fungus or mushrooms in your indoor plants…
Hey there fellow gardeners! I’m gonna share something interesting that happened to me last week while I was working in my garden. I discovered this mysterious large white egg buried in the soil and boy, was I puzzled! After doing some research and consulting with other gardening experts, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
What Could That Mysterious Egg Be?
Let me break down the most common sources of buried eggs you might find:
1. Wild Birds
- Ground-nesting birds like pheasants, turkeys, and grouse often lay white eggs
- They sometimes get spooked and abandon their nesting spots
- These eggs are usually pretty big (over 2 inches long)
- The shells are hard and smooth to touch
2. Sneaky Predators
- Foxes and weasels are notorious egg thieves
- They steal eggs from domestic birds and bury them for later
- Think of it as their personal underground fridge!
- Sometimes they forget about their hidden treasure
3. Reptilian Surprises
- Turtles and some snakes lay eggs in loose soil
- Their eggs have a softer, leathery feel
- Usually more elongated than bird eggs
- Often found near ponds or water sources
How to Play Detective: Identifying Your Mystery Egg
Here’s what you should look for:
-
Size Matters
- Large (>2 inches): Likely from bigger birds
- Medium: Could be domestic fowl
- Small (<1 inch): Possibly reptilian or small birds
-
Shell Texture
- Smooth and hard = Bird egg
- Leathery and soft = Reptile egg
- Clustered in pouches = Might be insect eggs
-
Location Clues
- Near water? Think turtle or water birds
- Garden bed? Could be fox stash
- Under bushes? Possibly ground-nesting birds
What Should You Do? My Practical Tips
-
Don’t Panic!
- First rule – keep calm and assess the situation
- Most buried eggs are harmless
-
Safety First
- Wear gloves if you need to handle the egg
- Don’t immediately grab it – observe first
- Watch for nearby animal activity
-
When to Leave It Alone
- If it looks like a wild bird egg
- If there’s nest-like material around
- If you see parent birds nearby
-
When to Remove It
- If it’s clearly damaged
- If you spot predator activity
- If it’s attracting unwanted critters
My Personal Experience and Tips
When I found my first buried egg, I freaked out a bit (who wouldn’t?). But after carefully observing it for a day, I noticed a mother pheasant sneaking around. So, I left it alone and was rewarded with seeing the little ones a few weeks later!
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Take pictures before disturbing anything
- Set up a simple wildlife camera if possible
- Keep pets away from the area
- Mark the spot but don’t disturb it
Common Scenarios You Might Face
Scenario 1: Garden Bed Discovery
If you’re digging and find an egg:
- Stop digging immediately
- Document the location
- Look for signs of animal activity
- Consider relocating your gardening spot temporarily
Scenario 2: Lawn Mowing Surprise
When mowing reveals eggs:
- Mark the area
- Create a small protective barrier
- Adjust your mowing pattern
- Wait a few weeks before mowing that spot
FAQ Time!
Q: Can I move the egg if it’s in my way?
A: Better not to, unless absolutely necessary. Many wild bird eggs are protected by law.
Q: How long should I wait before removing an abandoned egg?
A: Give it at least a week of observation before deciding it’s abandoned.
Q: What if I accidentally damaged the egg?
A: Remove it to prevent attracting predators and wash the area thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Finding a large white egg buried in your soil can be quite the garden mystery! While it might be tempting to immediately remove it, taking time to observe and identify the source is usually the best approach. Remember, our gardens are shared spaces with wildlife, and sometimes we gotta be patient and work around nature’s schedule.
Keep your eyes peeled and your garden gloves handy! If you’ve had similar experiences, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Happy gardening, folks!
P.S. Don’t forget to share this article with your gardening buddies – you never know when they might need this info!
Is saprophytic fungi toxic or harmful?
The vast majority of fungi are saprophytic and feed on organic matter. They are usually harmless and in fact, beneficial. They can be a sign the conditions might not be ideal for your indoor plant, but shouldnt cause any harm to it in small numbers if caught early. Its only a small number of fungi, called pathogenic fungi, that are potentially harmful, causing things such as plant disease.
How do you get rid of saprophytic fung..
Water less, provide better ventilation and better drainage (or all 3), and thats usually all thats needed for the fungi to naturally stop replicating and die off. More light can help also.
You can remove the fungi (while wearing a breathing mask). Carefully scoop those clusters of fuzzy balls out and into the bin or your compost heap. Dont worry if you cant get them all. If youre allergic to mould, best to glove and mask up, or ideally get someone else to remove it for you just in case. If the surface of the soil is very wet, youll also want to help the plant dry off to avoid root rot. A warmer spot with more light will help soil dry out faster.
You can also sprinkle a thin layer of cinnamon over the surface of the soil to help prevent it growing back. Cinnamaldehyde is what gives cinnamon its flavour and scent, which is also a natural fungicide that helps prevent mould growth.
Ive seen vinegar suggested also, but I would not personally use vinegar on plants or soil myself. Firstly, fungus and mould can survive the acid of vinegar, but your plants roots might not.
Another natural anti-fungal treatment that will kill the spores without harming your plant is good old hydrogen peroxide. No, not the stuff used to turn your hair blonde, you want the diluted 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide. I use Forsana in the 3% dilution (for those in New Zealand), or another good one for my international plant friends is Essential Oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide has so many uses for our plants, including fungus gnats, root rot, sterilising soil and more. Here are the top 7 uses for hydrogen peroxide for plants (including dilution rates and and how to apply).