Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a follow up question to the ? asked on 11/29/06 about yellow fuzzy egg like particles on the soil of house plants.  I often have this problem on a variety of house plants, and have also found these yellow egg like particles in my container of potting soil. The pictures I will send are of a plant that is actually potted in a clear pot(about 6 inches).  Not only did i find these 'eggs' on top of the soil,the clear pot allowed me to see the 'eggs' throughout the entire soil of the plant.  What could this be and how do i rid my house plants of this problem. My indoor plants get moderate to high light throughout the year

thank you
lauren



ANSWER: Hi Lauren,

Thanks for the photos. It looks to me like it is perlite, a soil additive that you are seeing in the soil. If the particles are white and quite hard when squeezed, then that is what it is and it is no cause for concern.

However, if the particles are yellowish and they are soft and squishy with tiny threads attached, then they are a type of fungus. In that case, it would be best to replace the soil with a sterilized, peat-base potting mix. In addition, I suggest that you use a pot that has drainage holes. As pretty as the glass pot is, without drainage holes you are sure to rot the roots.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. I

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok- thanks. I def think its a fungus.  So then, how do i get rid of it if it is 'infused' througout the plant.  Do I have to repot all of my plants.  What type of fungus is it and is it harmful?  I have had this problem with many plants for some time now
thank you again

Answer
Hi Lauren,

I am sorry that you didn't find my reply as helpful as you wanted. Please let me know how I can be more helpful. Perhaps I misunderstood your question or was not clear in my reply.

~Will


Hi Lauren,

Sorry. I was hoping it was Perlite. Oh, well.

The fungus is not immediately harmful to the plant, but in time it can spread and take over the soil and eventually affect the plant's ability to function properly. It is not harmful to you as long as you don't eat it!

The fungus spores were in the soil that you used. They blossomed in the warm, damp environment within the pot. I am afraid that you will have to replace the soil of all plants that are affected. Unfortunately, soil replacement is very traumatic for plants and you may lose some as a result.

Use a peat-based, sterilized potting mix. If you cannot find it, then make your own mixing 3 parts peat moss with 1 part Perlite. Repot into the smallest pots possible and make sure the pots have drainage holes.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]