Emily Johnson
There are indeed yellow mushrooms, and they are a common sight for plant owners. The most common species of yellow mushroom is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as the yellow parasol mushroom, the painted dapperling, or the flowerpot parasol. These mushrooms are typically found in flower pots and are harmless to plants. However, they can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Other types of yellow mushrooms include the jack-o-lantern mushroom, the yellow fieldcap mushroom, and the mud puppy mushroom, which is a type of chanterelle. While yellow mushrooms may be startling to discover, they are typically not harmful and can even provide benefits to plants by breaking down organic matter into nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Yellow Mushrooms |
| Scientific Name | Leucocoprinus birnbaumii |
| Other Names | Yellow Houseplant Mushroom, Flower Pot Parasol, Yellow Parasol, Painted Dapperling, Plantpot Dapperling, Flowerpot Parasol, Yellow Cottony Agaric |
| Cap Width | 2.5–6 cm |
| Cap Shape | Oval, Bell-shaped, Conical, Hemispherical, Flattened, Marshmallow-shaped, Nearly Flat Parasol |
| Cap Surface | Lemon Yellow to Sulphur Yellow, Smooth, Slightly Powdery, Ragged, Fibrous Scales |
| Cap Flesh | Firm when young, becomes softer and more fragile with age, whitish colour |
| Stem Ring | Thin, Membranous, Movable, Yellow on the top surface, whitish underside |
| Spore Print | White |
| Spores | Ellipsoid to amygdaliform with a large germ pore |
| Smell | Indistinct or mushroomy |
| Taste | Indistinct |
| Habitat | Tropics, Subtropics, Flowerpots, Greenhouses |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets, not harmful to plants |
| Removal | Difficult due to deep roots, fungicides may be used |
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What You'll Learn
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, also known as the yellow houseplant mushroom
The mushroom is commonly found in the tropics and subtropics and is known by various names, including flower pot parasol, yellow parasol, flowerpot parasol, and plantpot dapperling. It was first described as Agaricus luteus in 1788 by the English mycologist James Bolton, who observed it in a hothouse near Halifax. The name luteus comes from the Latin for yellow or yellow-orange. Bolton suggested the common name 'Yellow Cottony Agaric' to describe the soft, scaly texture of the mushroom. However, this name had already been used for a different species.
The mushroom has a distinct appearance, with a yellow top surface and a whitish underside. The spore print is white, and the spores are ellipsoid to amygdaliform with a large germ pore. The mushroom may discolour and turn brownish when dry. One notable feature of L. birnbaumii is the presence of sclerotia, which are small, hard, elliptical masses found on the surface of the soil. These sclerotia are genetically identical to the mushroom and have been cultured to produce mushrooms. While L. birnbaumii does not harm plants, the sclerotia can impact the production and sale of orchids.
If you find Leucocoprinus birnbaumii in your potted plants, you may want to remove it to prevent the spread of spores to other plants and the potential ingestion by children or pets. However, it is challenging to get rid of these mushrooms entirely as the spores and mycelium are deeply embedded in the plant pot and roots. You can try removing the visible mushrooms and replacing the top layer of potting soil, but this may not be effective if the fungus has grown deeply into the soil. Alternatively, you can create conditions that are less favourable for the mushrooms, such as improving airflow and light to help the substrate dry out faster.
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Yellow mushrooms in potted plants
The most common species of yellow mushroom in houseplants is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, yellow parasol, flowerpot parasol, or plantpot dapperling. It is a toxic species, so it can be harmful to pets and humans if ingested. However, it is not harmful to plants and can even provide essential nutrients and valuable information to the houseplants.
Yellow mushrooms can appear in potted plants due to a variety of reasons. They can be present in new potting soil or spread via transplanted plants. Mixing outdoor soil with indoor plant substrate or shifting indoor plants outside for watering can also introduce spores. Additionally, mushrooms can indicate that something is rotting, such as plant roots, as they feed on decayed organic matter.
If you wish to remove yellow mushrooms from your potted plants, it is challenging due to the deep settlement of spores and mycelium in the plant pot and roots. However, you can try changing the soil by removing the plant, shaking off the roots, and replanting it in fresh, uncontaminated soil. Alternatively, remove the top two inches of soil and add fungicide. You can also alter the conditions by reducing humidity or lowering the temperature to prevent mushrooms from sprouting.
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Are yellow mushrooms harmful?
Yellow mushrooms, or Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, are a common type of fungus that feeds on dead organic matter. They are typically found in the tropics and subtropics, as well as in greenhouses and flowerpots in temperate regions. While they are not harmful to plants, they can be considered a nuisance by some gardeners as they can compete with plants for nutrients, leading to weaker and less healthy plants. Additionally, yellow mushrooms can attract pests and insects that may harm plants.
When it comes to toxicity, the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii mushroom's toxicity level is generally low. According to the North American Mycological Association and the Mushroom Expert website, this mushroom is not toxic to humans. However, it is not recommended for consumption as it can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues if ingested. It is important to keep these mushrooms away from children and pets, as they may be harmful if eaten.
While yellow mushrooms are not harmful to touch or be around, some people may experience skin irritation when handling them, so it is recommended to wear gloves. Additionally, if left for a prolonged period, the mushrooms may release spores that can trigger allergies in humans and pets.
Overall, yellow mushrooms are not harmful to plants or humans unless ingested. However, they may attract pests and insects, compete with plants for nutrients, and trigger allergies, so it is essential to remove them from potted plants, especially if children or pets are present.
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Yellow mushrooms in indoor plants
These mushrooms are characterised by their bright to pale yellow colour, including the inner flesh, and their small size, typically measuring 3 to 8 centimetres in height. The caps of these mushrooms start off bell-shaped and can open up to become oval-shaped, giving them the common name "yellow parasol" or "flower pot parasol". They are often found in indoor plants and are also known as “the yellow houseplant mushroom”.
While these yellow mushrooms are not harmful to your plants, their presence may indicate an underlying issue. The mushrooms thrive in dark, warm, and wet conditions, particularly when there is organic matter rotting in the soil. This combination of factors can be dangerous for most houseplants and may indicate the presence of root rot. Contaminated soil or mulch can also introduce mushroom spores, leading to their growth.
If you notice yellow mushrooms in your indoor plants, you don't need to panic. However, it is important to address the underlying cause. You can try changing the soil, using a fungicide, or modifying the environmental conditions to make them less favourable for mushroom growth. Keep in mind that changing conditions may also impact your plant, so proceed with caution. Additionally, ensure that the mushrooms are out of reach of children and pets, as they may be toxic if ingested.
In summary, while yellow mushrooms in indoor plants may be surprising, they are typically harmless to the plants themselves. However, addressing the underlying cause of their growth and taking preventive measures is essential.
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Yellow parasol mushrooms
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii was first described as Agaricus luteus in 1788 by English mycologist James Bolton, who observed it in a hothouse near Halifax in 1785. Bolton suggested the common name 'Yellow Cottony Agaric' to describe the soft, scaly texture of the mushroom. However, this name had already been used for an unrelated species. In 1945, French mycologist Marcel Locquin classified it as Leucocoprinus luteus, and in 1962, German mycologist Rolf Singer gave it its current name, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several species of yellow mushrooms, including Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, commonly known as the flower pot parasol, yellow parasol, flowerpot parasol, or plantpot dapperling.
Yellow mushrooms can grow in potted plants, greenhouses, and gardens. They are common in the tropics and subtropics, and in temperate regions, they frequently occur in greenhouses and flowerpots.
Yellow mushrooms are typically not harmful to plants. They feed on dead organic matter and can even provide essential nutrients and valuable information to the plants. However, they may be toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
You can remove the mushrooms from the pot, treat the plant's substrate with a fungicide, or create conditions that are less favourable for the mushrooms, such as moving the plant to a spot with more light and better airflow.
