What's the Deal with Mycorrhiza?

Have you heard about mycorrhizal fungus but didn’t really understand what its purpose was in indoor gardening or hydroponics? You’re not alone.

New gardeners often know about plants’ needs for water and fertilizer, but they may not have heard about the relationship between plants and mycorrhiza.

This article covers what exactly mycorrhiza is and why it’s good for your plants.

What is mycorrhiza?

Mycorrhiza, or mycorrhizal fungi, is an organism that shares a symbiotic relationship with plants in nature. The mycorrhiza live in soil, attaching to the root systems of plants. Although mycorrhiza are not present with all plants in nature, they can be found living symbiotically with the vast majority of them.

What does mycorrhizal fungus do for plants?

When mycorrhizal fungi are present in soil, their spores germinate and spread into the roots of plants, establishing a fungal colony in the root system. Normally, this would sound like a bad thing, but mycorrhiza have a beneficial relationship with the plants they colonize.

They create a network of fungal structures within the roots of the plant, and the plant and fungi exchange nutrients and sugars with each other.

As the mycorrhiza begin to thrive, their network spreads through the soil further than the plant’s roots are able to spread, essentially becoming a second root system for the plant. This means that the plant now has access to even more nutrients and water than it would without the fungus.

How does mycorrhiza benefit indoor plants?

Mycorrhiza can still benefit potted plants and other indoor plants, despite the plant not having access to a vast amount of soil, as it might outdoors. Mycorrhiza is especially beneficial to newly transplanted plants because it can help the plant access nutrients while the root system grows and establishes itself.

Additionally, mycorrhiza can help to break down complex nutrient compounds that the plant would have trouble utilizing otherwise. That makes it a great soil addition for any indoor plant.

Mykos Mycorrhizal Soil Inoculant

Is mycorrhizal fungus safe to use?

Mycorrhiza is safe to use on all kinds of indoor and outdoor plants. There are no risks involved in establishing a mycorrhizal colony with your plants. Unlike other kinds of fungus that can harm plants and their roots, this fungus maintains a beneficial relationship with the plant.

If you’d like to know more, talk to our team at The Tye-Dyed Iguana in Fairview Heights.