The influence of cellular surface hydrophobicity on the adherence capacity to plastic of Candida albicans was investigated at two culture temperatures (37 and 22 degrees C). The majority of the 42 strains studied were hydrophobic at 22 degrees C and hydrophilic at 36 degrees C. The hydrophobic cells showed a consistent adherence capacity which was absent from the hydrophilic strains. The culture temperatures affect adherence to plastic of C. albicans by changing the cellular surface hydrophobicity.