Stereaceae
Crust fungi: Best for Low Light
Stereum
Crust fungi require constant moisture and a suitable wood substrate in a shaded, cool environment.
Every 3 days
Low light
5° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Crust fungi?
Crust fungi (Stereum) is a medium-care plant from the Stereaceae family. Stereum, commonly known as crust fungi, is a genus of wood-decay fungi that form flat or shelf-like fruiting bodies on deadwood. They are characterized by their smooth underside, lacking pores or gills. These fungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by breaking down lignin and returning nutrie...
Crust fungi grows up to 10cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 3 days, 5°C – 25°C, 70–95% 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 Crust fungi?
TLDR: Crust fungi needs Low light, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 5-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Crust fungi?
The wood substrate must never dry out completely; daily misting is recommended.
How Much Light Does Crust fungi Need?
Avoid direct sunlight; these fungi thrive best in the deep shade of forests or shaded garden areas.
What Is the Best Soil for Crust fungi?
Instead of soil, decaying hardwood is required as a substrate.
What Pot Should You Use for Crust fungi?
No pot; grows best on damp logs or pieces of deadwood.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Crust fungi and Where Does It Come From?
Stereum, commonly known as crust fungi, is a genus of wood-decay fungi that form flat or shelf-like fruiting bodies on deadwood. They are characterized by their smooth underside, lacking pores or gills. These fungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by breaking down lignin and returning nutrients to the soil. Visually, they often feature striking concentric zones in shades of brown, orange, or gray.
How to Propagate Crust fungi?
Spore propagation
- Use only uninhabited deadwood
- High humidity is essential
- 1 Take a spore print
Place a mature fruiting body underside-down on paper to collect spores.
- 2 Substrate preparation
Prepare fresh, moist hardwood (e.g., oak or beech).
- 3 Inoculation
Introduce the spores into cracks or drill holes in the wood and keep moist.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Crust fungi Grow?
TLDR: Crust fungi can reach up to 10cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Medium
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Antimicrobial research
- Study of secondary metabolites
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents the eternal cycle of decay and rebirth within the forest.
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