Question
This morning I noticed two mushrooms/toadstools in my African Violet plant.  The largest one is 4 inches across and is fairly flat with small ridges.  It is a light yellow.  The underside is a lighter color  with deeper ridges and it is slightly rounded. What kind of mushroom or toadstool is this? Is is poisonous?  

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Patsy,

There are thousands of different types of mushrooms, so it is impossible for me to identify the one you found. In any case, it is not harmful to your African Violet, but you should assume that it is poisonous if you eat it. Touching it will not cause any harm unless you have a very unusual allergy.

Mushrooms are a type of fungus and they grow in soil that has been contaminated with spores. Good quality indoor potting mixes should be sterile and fungus-free. That said, I do not recommend replacing all of the soil. It is best to pinch out the mushrooms as they emerge, including their roots. New ones may pop up so you will need to be persistent to eradicate all of them.

I have written an article on plant pests, including mushrooms, that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

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

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com