What should I do if mushrooms or mold appear in potting soil?

Practical answer

What should I do if mushrooms or mold appear in potting soil?

Mushrooms or surface mold usually mean the potting mix is staying moist and organic matter is decomposing. It is not always dangerous to the plant, but it is a sign to check watering, airflow, drainage, and old debris.

Do not panic-spray before checking whether the roots are healthy and whether the pot is simply too wet.

First checks

• Remove mushrooms, moldy debris, and fallen leaves from the surface.
• Check whether the pot has drainage and hidden standing water.
• Let the top layer dry more between waterings if the plant allows it.
• Improve airflow around crowded indoor pots.
• Check for root rot if the plant is wilting in wet soil.

When to repot

• The mix smells sour or rotten.
• Roots are brown, mushy, or collapsing.
• The plant declines while the pot stays constantly wet.