Nidulariaceae
common bird's nest fungus: Best for Low Light
Crucibulum laeve
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture on a substrate of decaying organic matter in a shaded area.
Every 2 days
Low light
10° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is common bird's nest fungus?
common bird's nest fungus (Crucibulum laeve) is a medium-care plant from the Nidulariaceae family. Crucibulum laeve, commonly known as the common bird's nest fungus, is a saprobic species of fungus that grows on decaying wood, mulch, and plant debris. It is characterized by its small, cup-shaped fruiting bodies that resemble tiny bird nests containing 'eggs' (peridioles). These peridioles contain...
common bird's nest fungus grows up to 1cm, spread of 10cm, watering every 2 days, 10°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, common bird's nest fungus is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for common bird's nest fungus?
TLDR: common bird's nest fungus needs Low light, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water common bird's nest fungus?
Mist daily to keep the 'nests' and substrate damp, but ensure the container has drainage to prevent stagnant water.
How Much Light Does common bird's nest fungus Need?
Keep in deep shade; direct sunlight will dry out the fruiting bodies and the substrate too quickly.
What Is the Best Soil for common bird's nest fungus?
Use a substrate rich in lignin, such as hardwood mulch or composted twigs, rather than standard potting soil.
What Pot Should You Use for common bird's nest fungus?
A shallow tray or terrarium with a thick layer of wood chips or mulch.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is common bird's nest fungus and Where Does It Come From?
Crucibulum laeve, commonly known as the common bird's nest fungus, is a saprobic species of fungus that grows on decaying wood, mulch, and plant debris. It is characterized by its small, cup-shaped fruiting bodies that resemble tiny bird nests containing 'eggs' (peridioles). These peridioles contain the spores and are splashed out of the cup by raindrops. The exterior of the cup is typically yellowish to tan and covered in fine hairs when young, while the interior is smooth and greyish-white.
How to Propagate common bird's nest fungus?
Spore Dispersal
- Use rainwater for misting to simulate natural dispersal triggers.
- Avoid using fresh cedar or redwood as they have antifungal properties.
- 1 Substrate Preparation
Gather aged wood chips, mulch, or twigs and soak them in water for 24 hours.
- 2 Inoculation
Place mature fruiting bodies containing peridioles onto the damp substrate or crush peridioles over the surface.
- 3 Incubation
Keep the substrate in a cool, dark, and highly humid environment until mycelium begins to colonize.
Materials needed:
How Big Does common bird's nest fungus Grow?
TLDR: common bird's nest fungus can reach up to 1cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1cm
Spread
10cm
Growth rate
Fast
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
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Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with the hidden wonders of the forest floor and the efficiency of nature's recycling system.
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