Physalacriaceae
Honey Fungus: Edible Plant
Armillaria mellea
Honey fungus is rarely 'cultivated' intentionally due to its destructive nature to gardens; it requires high humidity, decaying wood substrate, and cool, shaded environments.
Every 3 days
Low light
10° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Honey Fungus?
Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) is a hard-care plant from the Physalacriaceae family. Armillaria mellea, commonly known as the Honey Fungus, is a bioluminescent basidiomycete fungus. It is a significant forest pathogen that spreads via black, root-like structures called rhizomorphs. While it produces edible golden-yellow mushrooms in clusters, the organism itself is a parasitic 'supe...
Honey Fungus grows up to 15cm, spread of 1000cm, watering every 3 days, 10°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Honey Fungus demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Honey Fungus?
TLDR: Honey Fungus needs Low light, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Honey Fungus?
Keep the wood substrate and surrounding soil constantly damp but not waterlogged.
How Much Light Does Honey Fungus Need?
This fungus thrives in complete shade or very low light; direct sunlight will dry out the fruiting bodies.
What Is the Best Soil for Honey Fungus?
Requires decaying hardwood (oak, birch, or beech) rather than traditional soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Honey Fungus?
Not suitable for pots; requires large logs or buried wood in contact with moist soil.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Honey Fungus and Where Does It Come From?
Armillaria mellea, commonly known as the Honey Fungus, is a bioluminescent basidiomycete fungus. It is a significant forest pathogen that spreads via black, root-like structures called rhizomorphs. While it produces edible golden-yellow mushrooms in clusters, the organism itself is a parasitic 'super-organism' that can live for centuries, decaying the wood of living and dead trees.
How to Propagate Honey Fungus?
Spore Dispersal
- Maintain extremely high humidity
- Avoid contamination from other molds
- 1 Spore Collection
Place a mature mushroom cap on white paper to collect the white spore print.
- 2 Inoculation
Transfer spores to a sterile agar medium or directly onto moist, wounded wood.
- 3 Incubation
Keep the substrate in a dark, humid environment until white mycelium or black rhizomorphs appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Honey Fungus Grow?
TLDR: Honey Fungus can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
10.0m
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
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional Chinese Medicine for neurological conditions
- Antibacterial research
- Antioxidant properties
Culinary Uses
- Cooked mushrooms (must be thoroughly boiled to remove toxins)
- Pickled mushrooms
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents hidden connections and the cycle of decay and rebirth in forest ecosystems.
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| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
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