I have two ficus trees which I left to my roommate to take care of while I went on vacation. I was gone for an entire month and when I arrived home, the trees had been terribly over-watered. I've been waiting for them to dry out and haven't watered them for about two weeks. Today I noticed an orangish mold-like substance growing at the base of the tree and on the soil around it (see pictures below).

I've been looking online but I can't quite figure out exactly what this is or if my trees can be rescued. Any suggestions? Should I just use a fungicide or will they need something more?

Sincerely,
Never letting anyone babysit my houseplants again

The orange is a fungus and can be treated with a fungicide. I would also recommend removing all of the leaves that have fallen off from the soil, and that will allow it to dry out more. Let me know how that works and good luck.

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Operational Manager at
Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Ames, Iowa