Why Is My Peace Lily Growing Mushrooms? Reasons And Solution

You are not alone. Who wants to know why is my peace lily growing mushrooms?

But, Is it bad if my plant is growing mushrooms?

Read the article to know all queries about growing mushrooms in peace lily.

Why Is My Peace Lily Growing Mushrooms?

Mushrooms in peace lilies are a common phenomenon that many plant owners encounter. 

You can easily recognize them by seeing their small white or yellow heads with support from the soil. But why does my peace lily have mushrooms?

There are some reasons for growing mushrooms in your peace lily: 

Waterlogged Soil:

Waterlogged soil is one of the main reasons for mushrooms appearing in your peace lily. Because if your soil is too wet or doesn’t drain well, it can create a humid and warm condition. This moist and warm environment causes mold to form and rot, which promotes fungal growth. 

Fungal spores can germinate and form mushrooms, which are the reproductive structures of fungi. They like moist soil and humid conditions. 

The more you water, the more you impoverish the soil. As a result, mushrooms will get their favorable moisture to grow well. So, to stop this you gotta take care of peace lily correctly.

If the environment surrounding your peace lily is too humid, it is easy for mushrooms to grow in the ground soil. 

Excessive water can disturb the ecological balance and increase the soil moisture. Then mushrooms have a malicious pleasure in developing. Just as the first thing you need to check when you notice this phenomenon is the soil moisture.

Overfertilization: 

Do peace lilies grow mushrooms? Overfertilization can also play a vital role in growing mushrooms in peace lilies. Mushrooms like to grow in soil that is rich in organic substances. For example, if you have over fertilized with compost or with organic substances, you have created the perfect environment for mushrooms.

Peace lily does not need much fertilizer, as it can thrive in low-nutrient soils. Over fertilizing, especially organic ones, just increases the amount of organic matter in the soil, which is a food source for fungi. 

Fungi can decompose the organic matter and produce mushrooms as a by-product. They feed on humus-rich soil and grow rapidly.

Spore Contamination: 

Mushrooms produce billions of spores, which are tiny and can travel by wind or other means. It is also possible that some spores have landed on your peace lily soil from the air, from other plants, or from the potting mix itself. On top of this, if the soil conditions are favorable, the spore can grow mushrooms.

Temperature Imbalance: 

Mushrooms need a comfortable temperature to grow in peace lily soil. Mushrooms appear in Peace Lily’s when the temperature of the soil is too high.  Just like it may cause peace lily dropping, it also helps mushrooms grow.

As I said above, mushrooms thrive in warm and highly humid environments. Soil temperature between 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary for growing mushrooms. 

You should know the temperature of the soil can be different from the temperature of the air.  If it’s a warm day but the soil is cool, then mushrooms may appear in your pot or garden.

Where Do The Mushrooms Come From In Peace Lily Pot?

Contaminated potting mix is the main source of the spores that cause fungal growth in houseplant soil. But sometimes, they can also come from other means, such as air traffic or clothing spores.

Let’s see in detail: 

• Airborne Spores: Fungal spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can be carried by air currents. They can land in the soil of your Peace Lily through natural processes, open windows, or ventilation systems.
• Contaminated Potting Mix: Your used potting soil can sometimes harbor fungal spores. These spores can be present in your potting mix from the manufacturer or can be introduced during storage or transportation.
• Introduction through Water: Fungal spores can travel with water that you supply your plants. If you water your peace lily with contaminated water or if the soil is consistently moist, spores present in the water may settle in the soil. Then, eventually, it gave rise to mushrooms. 
• Infected Plant Material: If you purchased a peace lily with infected roots or if your plant has experienced stress or damage, it may be more susceptible to fungal colonization. It leads to mushroom spores growth in your peace lily.  You gotta be careful if you grow peace lily from roots.
• Previous Contamination: If mushrooms were present in your previous batch of soil or a different plant, their spores could persist in the environment and infect your Peace Lily’s soil. 

Also, it can happen anywhere in the supply chain: at soil production, at the nursery, at the time of delivery, you can divide a peace lily, or at the pot where you want to plant. 

Types Of Mushrooms That Can Grow In Peace Lily

There are various types of mushrooms. But not all types of mushrooms grow in the peace lily. Only a few specific types of mushrooms can grow in peace lilies. 

What are the yellow mushrooms in my peace lily? The mushrooms you see in the base of your peace lily are known as yellow lepiota (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii). They are small mushrooms that range from 3 to 5 cm. They look pale yellow in color and have a flaky texture. 

This is the most common variety of mushrooms that can grow in peace lilies. Because yellow lepiota can get their preferred environments in peace lily soil. 

Some other types of mushrooms can grow in peace lily, such as:

• Mycena leaiana: This type of mushroom has an orange-red cap and stem, and white gills. It is also known as the orange mycena or the bleeding fairy helmet. They can appear in peace lily pots that have wood chips or bark.
• Coprinellus micaceus: They are brown and bell-shaped and the cap becomes black and inky as it matures. If your peace lily pot has rich organic matter then Coprinellus micaceus can appear in the soil.  
• Psathyrella candolleana: This is a mushroom that has a pale brown cap that cracks and fades to white as it ages, and a thin, hollow stem. It is also known as the pale brittlestem or the fragile dapperling. It grows on grass, wood, or soil, and may appear in peace lily pots that have lawn clippings or sawdust.

But these types are rare in peace lilies. 

Is It Bad If Mushrooms Are Growing In My Potted Plants?

The answer is no. You can let live them on the soil of your peace lily plants. But it’s better to remove them to take care of the peace lily. However, these mushrooms are harmless for the health of your peace lily; they are not edible. They are toxic not only for you but also for your four-legged pets. 

So basically-

Mushrooms are fungi that feed on organic matter. They can sometimes grow in the soil of your peace lily plants. This does not necessarily mean that your plant is unhealthy or that the soil is contaminated.

On the other hand, some mushrooms can be beneficial for your peace lilies. Because they help break down organic matter and enrich the soil. Most fungi have a symbiotic relationship with plants, especially at the root level. 

However, mushrooms can also indicate some problems that need your attention. For example, mushrooms grow if the soil is too moist, which can cause root rot and other diseases in your plant. 

Mushrooms may also compete with your plant for nutrients, especially if they grow excessively.

How Do Mushrooms Affect The Overall Health Of The Peace Lily?

Usually mushrooms themselves do not have a direct negative impact on the overall health of your peace lily. In fact, the presence of mushrooms is often a natural part of the decomposition process in the soil, where fungi break down organic matter. 

Certain indirect factors associated with mushroom growth can affect your Peace lily:

• Moisture Levels: Mushrooms thrive in highly moist soil. The presence of mushrooms is a result of consistently overwatering your peace lily. This excess moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that can negatively impact your peace lilies’ health. 
• Competing for Resources: This is the reason peace lily drooping. The mycelium of mushrooms can compete with your peace lily’s roots for nutrients in the soil. This competition could potentially affect your Peace Lily’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. 
• Indicative of Soil Issues: The presence of mushrooms in your peace lily pot is also a sign of imbalances in the soil, such as excessive organic matter or poor drainage. While mushrooms are not directly harmful to your plants, these soil issues can harm their overall health. 

In a nutshell, these fungi are not dangerous for your peace lily, nor for the air in your interior. You can leave them without fear. 

But it’s better to cut them off and don’t forget to protect your hand while cutting them down as they are slightly toxic. While peace lilies are toxic, too, don’t touch them directly.

How To Stop Growing Mushrooms From Growing In Peace Lily?

While mushrooms are not directly harmful to peace lily’s health, it’s recommended to remove them. It can decrease the ability of your peace lily to absorb nutrients. 

While it’s difficult to prevent growing mushrooms in peace lilies completely. But you can prevent it if you care for Peace Lily perfectly.

You can take the following steps to stop growing mushrooms:

• You should not excessively water your peace lily plants. It can create waterlogging conditions.
• Ensure your pot has proper drainage holes and all the holes in the pot are free. 
• You should avoid a high humid environment to place your plants. 
• Dead leaves, flowers, and other decomposed material should be removed from the soil surface. 
• Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry. And try to water the plant from below.
• You should use a good quality potting mix when planting your peace lily.
• Don’t use garden compost for peace lilies. It can be contaminated with fungi spores and then grow in peace lilies. 
• Warm and high humid environment is suitable for the growth of mushrooms. So, put your peace lily in a cool, dry place. 

By following these steps properly you can stop growing mushrooms from growing in peace lily. 

Fun And Bad Facts About Mushrooms Growing In Peace Lily

Let’s see some Fun and Bad facts about mushrooms growing in peace lily: 

Fun Facts	Bad Facts
Mushrooms can be a sign of a healthy and fertile soil. Because they help break down organic matter and enrich the soil with nutrients.	Mushrooms can be a sign of a waterlogged and overfertilized soil. They thrive in moist conditions and warm environments and feed on organic matter in the soil.
Mushrooms can have some benefits for the human health, such as reducing blood pressure, boosting immunity, and improving skin appearance.	Mushrooms can be poisonous to humans or pets, so you should avoid touching or eating them.
Mushrooms can come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, and some of them can be very beautiful and interesting to look at.	Mushrooms can compete with your peace lily for nutrients, especially if they grow excessively
Some mushrooms, like Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, have vibrant yellow caps, adding a pop of color to the soil.	Their appearance may be alarming, leading to concerns about the health of the Peace Lily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Conclusion

It’s not a serious issue that why is my peace lily growing mushrooms. Mushrooms are fungal spores that can germinate in warm and humid environments with rich organic substances like the base of peace lily. 

These small mushrooms are harmless for your peace lily’s health. But it indicates your soil is highly moist, which can lead to root rot and other health issues for your peace lily. 

On the contrary, these mushrooms are not edible as well as toxic to humans and pets. If you don’t remove them, it doesn’t matter. But removing is the best diction. 

You can follow the tips that I shared in the article to stop growing mushrooms in your peace lily.