---
title: "Just got home from our holiday trip, and I found these brown crust…"
description: "Just got home from our holiday trip, and I found these brown crust pieces and white stringy stuff all over the soil of my Purple Heart plant!!!!! WHAT DO I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/659399a41d3b16ebe8235818?language=it"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "CrazyBoutPlants17"
published: "2024-01-02T05:05:40.158Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/g3tmmzwj0jChtfnL8nPSkjg_lCly1QmMbwC2QgWlvgY/7fa06392974d4e848fbf668f56a9d7bd.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md?language=it) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md?language=it)

# Just got home from our holiday trip, and I found these brown crust…

_Pubblicato da CrazyBoutPlants17 il 2024-01-02_

Just got home from our holiday trip, and I found these brown crust pieces and white stringy stuff all over the soil of my Purple Heart plant!!!!! WHAT DO I DO!!??????

![Allegato 1 di 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/g3tmmzwj0jChtfnL8nPSkjg_lCly1QmMbwC2QgWlvgY/7fa06392974d4e848fbf668f56a9d7bd.webp?size=large)

## 4 commenti

### Rhey ha commentato il 2024-01-02

I’m thinking that might be a fungus. Scoop it out and sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the soil as it has anti-fungal agents and make sure the soil dries between waterings.

#### CrazyBoutPlants17 ha risposto il 2024-01-02

Thank you!! I will definitely give it a try!

### Sunny ha commentato il 2024-01-02

Definitely fungus. It’s not harmful by itself. But, it attracts insects. It probably came with the soil. Poor air circulation, slow drying soil, poor drainage and warm temperatures help the fungus thrive. Fungus and slow drying soil is attractive to fungus gnats and other pests that rely on wet soil to survive. Clearing fungus off the top doesn’t remove the spores within the soil. You can remove the fungus completely with a fungicide or changing out the soil to one with less organic matter to minimize the chance of getting fungus. You can bake out or microwave the soil like some nurseries do to kill the pests.

I recommend, at minimum, filling the potting mix almost all the way to the top of the pot so the soil gets better air circulation. Ensure it has good drainage and water less often. Tradescantia stores water well. Let the soil dry or almost dry out between watering. Place the plant in full sun to help it grow better and retain the its dark colors. Good luck🍀🪴

#### CrazyBoutPlants17 ha risposto il 2024-01-02

Thank you!!! That was very helpful, I’ll try it!!

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