Question
Hi,  I have a 7 foot Dracaena in a 17 inch pot.  I bought it in the spring and had it next to my front door outside mostly in shade all summer (It had a little morning sunlight). Over the summer it started getting brown mushrooms in the soil.  I would get rid of them often, but they kept growing back.  Now I have it indoors as it is below freezing at night outside and now it is growing a yellow, thin, finger like projections (in clumps) from the soil.  I have gotten rid of some of it, and it has a slight mildew/fungus like odor.  What is this and how do I get rid of it?  Is it bad for us indooors?  It is currently in a foyer with indirect outside lighting through several windows nearby.  I water it about once every 4-5 days.

Thank you!!  Janet  

Answer
Hi Janet,

Those finger-like growths are a different type of mushroom or fungus. When you moved your plant outside, you exposed the soil to fungus spores and that is why you are seeing them. Unless you have unusual mold allergies, they are harmless.

Mushrooms are hard to eradicate completely without the use of harsh fungicides, which I don't recommend for indoor use. When you see the growths pop up, remove them by digging down into the soil a bit and taking the roots as well as the top growth. If you are really persistent in staying on top of this, you may be able to finally get rid of them after a month or so.

I also suggest that you remove any loose soil on the surface that is not in direct contact with the roots. That may eliminate some of the surface spores. In addition, it will allow the soil around the roots to dry out sooner. Fungi need damp conditions to survive, so keep your Dracaena as dry as possible. Most Dracaenas can easily go a week or more between waterings.

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

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC