Dacrymycetaceae
Small Stagshorn: Best for Low Light
Calocera cornea
Requires extremely high ambient humidity and a constant substrate of dead wood. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight or allowed to dry out completely.
Every 1 days
Low light
10° - 24°C
75% - 95%
Categories
What is Small Stagshorn?
Small Stagshorn (Calocera cornea) is a medium-care plant from the Dacrymycetaceae family. Calocera cornea is a saprophytic jelly fungus that grows in clusters on decaying hardwood from broadleaf trees. Its fruiting bodies are small, bright yellow or orange, with a cylindrical or horn-like shape that tapers to a point. Unlike other similar fungi, its texture is firm and elastic when hydra...
Small Stagshorn grows up to 2cm, spread of 15cm, watering every 1 days, 10°C – 24°C, 75–95% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Small Stagshorn is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Small Stagshorn?
TLDR: Small Stagshorn needs Low light, watering every 1 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 75-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Small Stagshorn?
Mist daily with chlorine-free water to keep the wood surface and the fungus consistently shiny and moist.
How Much Light Does Small Stagshorn Need?
Prefers deep shade or very dim indirect light; strong light quickly dehydrates its fruiting bodies.
What Is the Best Soil for Small Stagshorn?
Does not grow in soil; it requires dead wood from deciduous trees (without bark) that retains moisture well.
What Pot Should You Use for Small Stagshorn?
Hardwood logs (such as oak or beech) or closed glass containers to maintain humidity.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Small Stagshorn and Where Does It Come From?
Calocera cornea is a saprophytic jelly fungus that grows in clusters on decaying hardwood from broadleaf trees. Its fruiting bodies are small, bright yellow or orange, with a cylindrical or horn-like shape that tapers to a point. Unlike other similar fungi, its texture is firm and elastic when hydrated, becoming hard and brittle upon drying. It is a fascinating species for bioactive terrariums that mimic a temperate forest floor.
How to Propagate Small Stagshorn?
Spore inoculation
- Use distilled water to maintain humidity and prevent unwanted mold growth.
- Oak wood is ideal for this species.
- 1 Spore collection
Place a mature fruiting body on a slide or paper to obtain a white spore print.
- 2 Substrate preparation
Sterilize or clean pieces of deciduous wood that have already begun to soften.
- 3 Inoculation
Introduce the spores into the cracks of the damp wood.
- 4 Incubation
Keep the wood in a dark, cool, and humidity-saturated environment until primordia appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Small Stagshorn Grow?
TLDR: Small Stagshorn can reach up to 2cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2cm
Spread
15cm
Growth rate
Medium
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
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Meaning & Symbolism
In nature, it symbolizes the recycling process of life and the transformation of dead matter into new energy.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
