Strophariaceae
Brick Cap: Edible Plant
Hypholoma lateritium
Cultivating this mushroom requires constant high humidity and a suitable wood substrate in a cool, shaded environment.
Every 2 days
Low light
10° - 22°C
80% - 95%
Categories
What is Brick Cap?
Brick Cap (Hypholoma lateritium) is a medium-care plant from the Strophariaceae family. Hypholoma lateritium, commonly known as the Brick Cap, is a wood-decaying fungus that forms dense clusters on hardwood stumps. It features a characteristic brick-red cap that is darker in the center and lighter toward the edges. Unlike its toxic relative (the Sulphur Tuft), the flesh of this mushroo...
Brick Cap grows up to 10cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 2 days, 10°C – 22°C, 80–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Brick Cap?
TLDR: Brick Cap needs Low light, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 10-22°C with 80-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Brick Cap?
Keep the growing environment consistently moist by regularly misting the wood with soft water.
How Much Light Does Brick Cap Need?
Avoid direct sunlight; mushrooms prefer full shade or very dim light.
What Is the Best Soil for Brick Cap?
Soil is not essential; decaying hardwood or a specialized mushroom growing medium is required.
What Pot Should You Use for Brick Cap?
Hardwood logs or sterilized sawdust bags are best suited for cultivation.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Brick Cap and Where Does It Come From?
Hypholoma lateritium, commonly known as the Brick Cap, is a wood-decaying fungus that forms dense clusters on hardwood stumps. It features a characteristic brick-red cap that is darker in the center and lighter toward the edges. Unlike its toxic relative (the Sulphur Tuft), the flesh of this mushroom is milder, though sometimes slightly bitter.
How to Propagate Brick Cap?
Spore dispersal
- Use oak or beech wood for the best results.
- Ensure the substrate never dries out completely.
- 1 Spore collection
Place a mature mushroom cap on paper or glass to collect the spores.
- 2 Substrate inoculation
Mix the spores with water and apply them to fresh hardwood stumps or logs.
- 3 Incubation
Keep the wood in a moist, dark place until the white mycelium begins to spread.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Brick Cap Grow?
TLDR: Brick Cap can reach up to 10cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Fast
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Studies have indicated potential antibacterial properties
Culinary Uses
- Edible after parboiling
- Used in soups and stews
- Pickling
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes the cycle of nature and renewal through the process of decomposition.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
