Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just discovered that Shogo has mushrooms growing in his soil. Do you guys have any suggestions about what to do? Is it dangerous? Do I re-pot the ficus? Is there some antifungal to use that's safe?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks gang!
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4 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
4 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO

I would just repot the plant with clean soil. The mushrooms themselves may not be dangerous as chams don't usually eat them, but they will release spores and spread over time.

Carlton is right. I would repot with a "soil-less"
media that is sterile. Most fungi thrive in moist, dark conditions so make sure the soil does not remain soggy. Do you have drainage for the plant? Using a soiless mix is also good to retain moisture for a longer period of time and does not call for as much watering. Of course there will be many variables depending on your light, humidity, etc. If you let the soil dry out (not completely, but barely moist) b/t watering you should not have any problems. Hope this helped

lele

>>I just discovered that Shogo has mushrooms growing in his soil. Do you guys have any suggestions about what to do? Is it dangerous? Do I re-pot the ficus? Is there some antifungal to use that's safe?
>>
>>Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks gang!
>>-----
>>4 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
>>4 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO

Hi Lele,

Thanks for the tip. What is a "soil-less" mixture? Is this like a cactus mix or something made up of small pebbles? Will a ficus survive in a soil-less mixture?

The Ficus I have is currently planted in a pot with good drainage. I am guessing that the misting of the cage along with the occasional dripper is just keeping the soil too moist.

How about if I re-pot the plant in soil and then cover the substrate with smooth stones?

Let me know. Thanks again!
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4 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
4 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO

The best to use is Pro-Mix. places like home-depot don't sell it but a good nursery or garden center should. It has no
"soil" (as in what most folks think of as "dirt" but consists of peat, perlite and/or vermiculite, a wetting agent a dn a few other things (trace minerals, etc.) Some retain moisture better than others and I prefer Pro-Mix. Even if you get plain potting soil make sure it says "guaranteed sterile" on the bag. This will lessen the incidence of fungi, insects, weeds, etc.

Go to this site and scroll down to Premier Pro-Mix to read about it. Putting stones on top is great to help maintain moisture as well, the main thing is don't let it be soggy/constantly wet.

lele
Pro-Mix

Great tip! I'll hunt some of it down!

Thanks!
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4 Month Old Ambanja Male I - LESTER
4 Month Old Ambanja Male II - SHOGO