Question
I recently moved a giant split leaf Philodendron outdoors, into a dappled shade garden.  Last week I checked it and the soil is solidly covered with small, whitish mushroom fungi.  NASTY! Can I treat the soil with anything to prevent this from recurring?  Do I need to repot the plant into new potting soil to rid it of the source of the problem?

Answer
Hi Yvonne,  The part you see is just the reproductive structures.  Most of the fungus plant is in the soil and can be difficult to eliminate but it's probably not causing any harm to the plant. Go to your local garden center and pick up a fungicide that can be used as a soil drench.  Use it according to label instructions for 3-4 months. Rake the soil surface often and whenever you see any mushrooms to destroy them before they have time to mature.  If the problem persists, covering the soil surface with a layer of inorganic mulch (pea gravel, etc.) may keep you from seeing the fungus.  Jim