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Have you suddenly spotted shrooms growing in the soil of your prized indoor plants?

If you have, dont panicmushrooms are more likely to be friends of your houseplants than foes.

Meet the Expert

Justin Hancockis the Director of Research and Development atCosta Farmsand a Certified Professional Horticulturist.

Leucocoprinus birnbaumii mushrooms growing in a potted indoor plant

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When the fungus has the right conditions, it can start reproducing, he says.

The mushrooms are actually the reproductive body of the fungus, not the fungus itself.

Hancock explains that airborne fungus spores can find their way into the soil in many ways.

This meets the average home conditions well.

When the fungi break down and absorb this material, mushrooms can sprout.

Are Mushrooms Growing in Your Plants Bad?

As a pretty strong general rule, the fungus itself is never a problem for plants, Hancock says.

Excessive mushroom growth can also result in your plant competing for nutrients.

How Can Mushrooms Help Your Houseplants?

However, there are lots of beneficial fungi, he says.