Simple solution to soil infested with fungus?

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

So I've been using a large pot diameter is around 2ft. Been planting my dahlia there for almost three years now. Last year I noticed that a branch of my dahlia was dying and wilting, discover all these tiny things (look like mushrooms) growing on the stem. Furthermore when I broke the hollow stem off there was fungus/mold inside it. The dahlia when it is full grown does cover most of the pot. I'm afraid this is what caused the fungus as there is no air circulation. Previously I didn't have any issues until it rained a lot and the pot's tray filled with water for days. I never emptied it. FYI: I no longer use the pot's tray to improve drainage. I know many people use pots to plant different kinds of flowers however does this crowding also contribute to fungus? Some advice about finding a simple and quick way to rid the soil of fungus would be much appreciated.

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Comments (5)

jean001a
11 years ago
Perhaps not a soil problem at all.

It's possible to have gray mold on your crowded stems.
Andrew
Original Author
11 years ago
I probably forgot to mention that I saw the same things that were growing on the dead stem, also growing in the soil.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Pictures of this 'fungus', please.
kimmq
11 years ago
There are many species of fungi, many are good or innocuous while a few are not good. The presence of gray mold, mushrooms, does not necessarily indicate a soil problem except maybe the soil in a container (pot) is too wet. Fungi are a normal part of nature.

kimmq is kimmsr
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
it seems like your powers of observation are increasing ... as is your learning curve ...

but we are wondering if the conclusions you are coming to ... are correct ..

when is the last time you switched out the media in toto???

media is a water management system ... that also manages air flow ...

when media starts breaking down ... it can get mucky or retain too much water ... which also reduces air flow..

and all that can lead to rotting media... which can lead to natures decomposers which include mushrooms and molds.. etc ...

and that is why the peeps above... are wondering about your conclusions ...

never stop theorizing.. and never stop learning...

ken