Slime Moulds

RHS Advice Guide
Slime moulds occasionally cause concern when they appear on plants, but they do not attack or kill the plant. They vary greatly in their colour, size and form. Their spore-producing structures are often very fragile, disintegrating when touched.


Quick facts

Common name - Slime mould

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Scientific name - Various, but by far the largest sub-group seen in a garden are acellular slime moulds called myxomycetes

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Plants affected - Various

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Main symptoms - Slimy growths, often on lower stems

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Caused by - Slime moulds

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Timing - Present year-round, but most likely to be seen in late summer / early autumn

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