Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Smell the substrate for a sour or rotten odor.
- Check if the container is holding standing water.
- Press gently on the base of the mushroom to see if it is mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the mushroom turns dark, soft, and mushy. The wood substrate may smell sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the substrate to dry out slightly. Ensure your container has proper drainage holes.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the container, keeping the wood constantly soaked. The mushroom base looks waterlogged.
What to do: Repot the wood substrate into a container with better drainage. Use a layer of pebbles at the bottom to keep the wood from sitting in water.
When to worry
If the base is black and disintegrating, the mushroom is beyond saving. Remove it to prevent the rot from spreading to other parts of the wood.
Stopping it coming back
Always ensure the substrate is damp, not wet, and provide good airflow to the base of the mushroom.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your puffball mushroom.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a rotting mushroom?
- Usually, once rot sets in at the base, the mushroom will not recover. It is best to remove it and clean the area.
- How often should I check for rot?
- Check the base every time you water. If you notice a change in color or texture, adjust your watering immediately.
More problems with Puffball mushroom
Back to the Puffball mushroom guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.