Chorioactidaceae
Devil's Cigar: Best for Low Light
Chorioactis geaster
It is an extremely difficult fungus to cultivate outside of its natural habitat; it requires specific decaying wood and very high humidity.
Every 4 days
Low light
15° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Devil's Cigar?
Devil's Cigar (Chorioactis geaster) is a hard-care plant from the Chorioactidaceae family. Chorioactis geaster, known as the 'Devil's Cigar' or 'Texas Star', is one of the rarest fungi in the world. It is found almost exclusively in Texas and Japan. This saprophytic fungus grows on the dead roots of cedar or elm trees. It initially has a dark brown cylindrical shape similar to a cigar, wh...
Devil's Cigar grows up to 10cm, spread of 12cm, watering every 4 days, 15°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Devil's Cigar demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Devil's Cigar is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Devil's Cigar?
TLDR: Devil's Cigar needs Low light, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 15-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Devil's Cigar?
The environment must remain saturated with moisture, mimicking the autumn rainy season.
How Much Light Does Devil's Cigar Need?
Prefers shady and protected environments, typical of dense forest floors.
What Is the Best Soil for Devil's Cigar?
Requires specific decaying wood rich in forest organic matter.
What Pot Should You Use for Devil's Cigar?
Not suitable for conventional pots; requires decaying wood logs.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Devil's Cigar and Where Does It Come From?
Chorioactis geaster, known as the 'Devil's Cigar' or 'Texas Star', is one of the rarest fungi in the world. It is found almost exclusively in Texas and Japan. This saprophytic fungus grows on the dead roots of cedar or elm trees. It initially has a dark brown cylindrical shape similar to a cigar, which upon maturing opens into a star shape with 4 to 7 rays, releasing its spores with an audible hissing sound.
How to Propagate Devil's Cigar?
Spore dispersal
- Temperature must be moderate and constant
- Avoid any type of fungicide in the area
- 1 Substrate identification
Locate decaying roots or logs of Juniperus ashei or Ulmus crassifolia.
- 2 Inoculation
Allow the fruiting body to release spores naturally near the moist substrate.
- 3 Moisture maintenance
Keep the area extremely humid and shaded to allow for mycelium colonization.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Devil's Cigar Grow?
TLDR: Devil's Cigar can reach up to 10cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
12cm
Growth rate
Slow
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents rarity and the mysteries of nature due to its disjunct geographical distribution.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky false asphodel | Hard | Bright indirect | 1d | ✓ |
| Creeping bentgrass | Hard | Direct sun | 3d | ✓ |
| Walking Palm | Hard | Bright indirect | 3d | ✓ |
| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
