Types of Garden Soil Fungus with White Patches

Types

• Fungi in soil that decompose organic matter are known as saprophytic fungi. These fungi help retain nutrients in the soil for plants to use as food. Although this mold is often unsightly, it is harmless to flowers and shrubs planted nearby.

Effects

• Saprophytic mold causes white patches of fungus to grow on the soil surface. This is not harmful to plants and flowers are will eventually disappear on its own. Saprophytic fungi are especially active around woody ornamentals. This fungal growth often looks similar to melted marshmallows and is easily removed.

Control

• Since saprophytic mold is harmless, control is not necessary. Some home gardeners dislike the appearance of this fungus and remove it by scraping it from the soil surface and destroying it.