One day, you woke up to find a mushroom cap in your beloved succulent pot. Maybe the first thing you did was to Google “mushroom in my succulent pot” (and ended up in our blog here). Let us assure you that mushrooms in houseplant and succulent pots are more common than you might think, and they aren’t the end of the world either!
Still, finding your succulents sharing a pot with some unknown fungi can be quite a shock! To help manage mushroom growth in your home garden, read on.
Finding mushrooms growing in the soil of your aloe plant can be surprising and concerning. But while unsightly these fungi are generally harmless to the plant itself. The appearance of mushrooms is actually a symptom of broader issues with moisture and air flow. With a few simple adjustments to care, aloe plant owners can get rid of mushrooms and prevent their return.
What Causes Mushrooms to Grow in Aloe Plants?
Mushrooms popping up in aloe pots are caused by excess moisture in the soil. The spores of common saprophytic fungi are present nearly everywhere. When the soil of container plants stays wet for extended periods these spores germinate and produce mushroom fruiting bodies.
Aloe vera and related aloe species are native to hot arid regions. In their natural habitat these succulents experience infrequent rainfalls and dry out thoroughly between waterings. But when kept as houseplants, aloes are often watered too frequently, creating an environment conducive to mushroom growth.
Overwatering is the primary reason mushrooms sprout from aloe soil. Other factors like poor drainage, dense shade and inadequate air circulation can also contribute to excess moisture. Low light and high humidity cause the soil to dry out slower. And when water cannot drain freely from the roots, it accumulates in the potting mix.
Are Mushrooms Harmful to Aloe Plants?
The small white or brown mushrooms that pop up in aloe pots are not harmful to the plants. These fungal fruiting structures take nutrients from decaying organic matter in the soil. Unlike plant pathogens, common saprophytic mushrooms do not directly feed on living plant tissue.
However, the excess moisture that enables mushrooms to grow can damage aloe plant roots. Prolonged wet conditions make roots prone to rot and can encourage harmful fungal or bacterial diseases. Good drainage and an appropriate watering schedule prevents these problems and keeps aloes healthy.
Though not inherently dangerous, mushrooms look unsightly and indicate environmental issues need correction. Simple adjustments to aloe care will banish mushrooms and prevent more serious complications.
How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Aloe Plants
Eliminating mushrooms from aloe plants involves tweaking care to allow the potting mix to dry out more between waterings. Here are some tips to create less favorable conditions for fungal growth:
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Water less frequently. Cut back on watering to every 10-14 days in summer and less in winter. Wait until the soil is mostly dry before soaking again.
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Improve drainage. Repot aloes in a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add perlite or small gravel to increase aeration and drainage.
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Let the soil dry out. Allow the potting mix to dry thoroughly before resuming normal watering. Place pots on absorbent towels to wick moisture away.
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Increase sunlight. Give aloes bright, indirect light to help the soil dry faster. Rotate plants periodically to prevent uneven growth.
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Increase air circulation. Use a small fan to keep air moving around aloes. Open windows or run air conditioning regularly.
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Remove mushrooms. Pluck mushrooms at the base when they appear. Discard in household waste, not the compost pile.
Adjusting water, light, and air flow makes the environment less welcoming to mushrooms. With proper aloe vera care, the fungi will disappear within a few weeks. Be patient, as the spores may persist in the potting mix even if conditions improve.
When to Repot Aloe Plants
If mushrooms continue sprouting after you’ve modified care, the aloe likely needs repotting. Aging or waterlogged potting soil provides ideal mushroom habitat. Repotting gives the roots a fresh start in new, well-draining soil.
Here are signs it’s time to repot aloe plants:
- Mushrooms repeatedly appear after changing care.
- Roots are crowded and encircling the drainage holes.
- Water starts pooling on the surface rather than absorbing.
- Soil seems dense, compressed, or retains too much moisture.
Use a porous cactus/succulent blend when repotting. Choose a container with drainage holes that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the old pot. Carefully remove the aloe, loosen roots, and reposition in the new container. Fill gaps with fresh soil.
After reporting, allow the plant to recover in a shady spot for a week before resuming normal care. This gives broken roots time to heal before exposing them to more intense light and drying conditions.
Enjoying Healthy, Mushroom-Free Aloe Plants
With a little detective work, excess moisture can be corrected to banish mushrooms from aloe vera plants. Pay close attention to how long the soil takes to dry out when troubleshooting watering issues. Aim for an appropriate wet-dry cycle to match these succulents’ natural environment.
Prevent problems by choosing containers with drainage holes, using well-aerated potting mixes, and following recommended watering guidelines. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly before watering again. Improve air circulation and properly increase sunlight exposure. Repot when necessary to refresh aging soil.
Making suitable adjustments to aloe care will resolve mushroom problems and keep these easy-going succulents healthy. With the right conditions, aloe plants can be enjoyed indoors for many years without fungi invasions.
Rich, highly fertile, and moist soil
Even if there are some mushroom spores in the soil, you will not see any mushroom growth unless your soil mix is highly fertile and retains some moisture. Most fungi (which include mushrooms, mildew, and molds) only grow in rich, moist soil with lots of decomposing organic matter. Their mycelium, which is like a plant’s root, will die in dry conditions.
Mushrooms also require high humidity to grow, so the sight of mushroom caps in your pot may also be a sign that your succulents need better-draining soil or a less-humid environment. When a mushroom cap appears, it is also an indication that your succulents do not have their ideal growing conditions.
The sight of mushroom caps in your pot may also be a sign that your succulents need better-draining soil or a less-humid environment.
[Why do mushrooms grow?]Why do mushrooms grow in a succulent pot?
Mushrooms are the fruit of some certain fungus that grows in your plant pot, but where do they come from?
For mushrooms to appear, there must be mushroom spores in your pot. Your potting mix might already be contaminated before you plant your succulents, or at some point after planting, floating mushroom spores landed on the soil, waiting for the right environment to develop. Sometimes your succulent grew in contaminated soil in the plant nursery, and the soil surrounding its roots may already carry mushroom spores.
Aloe Vera Plant is Drooping? Falling Over?
FAQ
Is it good if mushrooms are growing in my potted plants?
Mushrooms inside of potted plants are not bad at all and can possibly help break down organic material for your plants. If you have a species of plant that loves moist soil it’s not unusual to notice yellow mushrooms (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) growing from the soil.
Why did my succulent grow a mushroom?
Sometimes your succulent grew in contaminated soil in the plant nursery, and the soil surrounding its roots may already carry mushroom spores.
What is the gooey stuff in aloe vera?
Each leaf contains a slimy tissue that stores water, making the leaves thick. This water-filled tissue is the “gel” that people associate with aloe vera products. The gel contains most of the beneficial bioactive compounds in the plant, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.