The Magic of Mycorrhizae

How to Make Your Garden Thrive with Mycorrhizae’s Beneficial Properties

Mycorrhizae is a friendly type of soil fungi that is part of many of your favorite plants’ ecosystems in the wild. When we grow the plants we love at home, they often miss some of the key nutrients they can draw from their natural mycorrhizal symbiosis.

With movies like Fantastic Fungi there has been increased talk lately about the incredibly interesting nature of kingdom fungi. While there are many poisonous species of fungi, there are also plenty that are helpful to our gardening efforts. The biodiversity alone makes fungi a fascinating topic! 

Today, we’re going to discuss our favorite fungi, mycorrhizae in-depth. Let's take a closer look and see what all the fuss is about.

So What's the Big Deal With Mycorrhizae?

When plants grow in the wild, they don’t do so in isolation. They are a component of the surrounding ecosystem. Many other species are interacting with them on a constant basis, all contributing to a healthier environment. 

In nature, more than 90 percent of plant species form a symbiotic arrangement with beneficial soil fungi called mycorrhizae. After roots are colonized by mycorrhizae, threads or “hyphae” develop and can extend far into the surrounding soil environment. They literally inhabit most the earth's soils!

When we grow plants at home, they often are not brought into contact with mycorrhizae. This can affect their ability to grow to their full potential. For those that wish to protect the long-term health of their plants, a mycorrhizae-based supplement can kickstart that crucial symbiotic relationship. 

And Why Would Plants Allow This? 

Mycorrhizae are fundamental in helping supply the water and nutrients needed for enhancing plant vigor. In exchange, they receive essential sugars and other compounds supplied by the plant. They also release powerful compounds into the surrounding environment which can capture nitrogen, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and other plant nutrients. 

See, the fungus cannot produce enough food for itself, mainly carbohydrates, so it partners with plants that can use photosynthesis to produce an abundance of these carbs. They trade them with the soil organisms for various benefits. 

Here is a list of some of those benefits:

Enhanced Nutrient and Water Uptake 

When your plants are supported by mycorrhizae, this allows them to absorb more soil nutrients and water thanks to the fungus’s ability to capture more available key minerals as an extension of the host plant’s root system. This supports overall healthier plant growth for the long-term. 

Enhanced Roots 

The hyphae that develop from a mycorrhiza’s relationship with your plant extend the reach of the root system. This allows the plant’s roots to draw nutrients from more soil than without the symbiotic relationship. 

Enhanced Tolerance of Drought Stress 

Because mycorrhizae allow plants to take up more nutrients and water, this can result in a more resilient plant. This means greater tolerance to drought stress which can quickly affect the plant’s health in major ways otherwise. 

Enhanced Tolerance to Transplant Shock 

Plants are not meant to be moved. Instead, they are supposed to thrive in a stationary environment. However, sometimes, they need to be moved to other soils when in the care of passionate plant nutrition enthusiasts. 

Some plants undergo a “transplant shock” when moved from one soil to another. This act of removing your plant from its familiar environment can affect its ability to acclimate and continue to thrive. 

By supporting your plant with mycorrhizae, it can take up more nutrients and water within its new soil. This eases the transition and reduces the likelihood of transplant shock. 

Get Premium Mycorrhizae for Your Own Plants

At Plant Revolution, we’re passionate gardeners that care about the health of our plants as much as you do. Whether you’re growing a few plants in your kitchen window or are operating a full-scale agricultural business, mycorrhizae can play a critical role in ensuring healthy plants for years to come! 

To learn more about the benefits of mycorrhizae, check out our Great White Premium Mycorrhizae with beneficial bacteria and trichoderma.