Marasmiaceae
Marasmius oreades: Edible Plant
Marasmius oreades
Requires a healthy lawn environment with high humidity and soil rich in organic matter for fruiting.
Every 2 days
Low light
10° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Marasmius oreades?
Marasmius oreades (Marasmius oreades) is a medium-care plant from the Marasmiaceae family. Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the fairy ring mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus that grows in lawns, forming characteristic circular rings. It has a small cap, 2 to 5 cm in diameter, with a color ranging from cream to pale tan. It is famous for its ability to completely desiccate during dry...
Marasmius oreades grows up to 10cm, spread of 500cm, watering every 2 days, 10°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Marasmius oreades is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Marasmius oreades?
TLDR: Marasmius oreades needs Low light, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Marasmius oreades?
Fruiting occurs after heavy rains; in controlled cultivation, simulate frequent rainfall to keep the soil saturated.
How Much Light Does Marasmius oreades Need?
Does not require direct sunlight to grow, preferring shaded areas or indirect light that does not dry out the soil.
What Is the Best Soil for Marasmius oreades?
Prefers well-established lawn soils, rich in humus, and with good drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Marasmius oreades?
Not suitable for cultivation in conventional pots; requires open lawn soil.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Marasmius oreades and Where Does It Come From?
Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the fairy ring mushroom, is a basidiomycete fungus that grows in lawns, forming characteristic circular rings. It has a small cap, 2 to 5 cm in diameter, with a color ranging from cream to pale tan. It is famous for its ability to completely desiccate during dry periods and 'revive' after rain, maintaining its structure and ability to release spores. It is an edible mushroom of excellent quality, with a sweet taste and an aroma reminiscent of almonds.
How to Propagate Marasmius oreades?
Spore Dispersion
- Avoid using fungicides on the lawn
- The presence of dead grass roots aids in the fungus's nutrition
- 1 Spore Collection
Place a mature cap on white paper for 24 hours to collect the white spore print.
- 2 Inoculation
Mix the spores in distilled water and spray over a moist, organic-rich lawn.
- 3 Maintenance
Keep the area consistently moist until the mycelium establishes itself in the soil.
Materials needed:
Mycelium Transplant
- Transplant during periods of persistent rain
- Ensure the target soil has not been chemically treated
- 1 Block Extraction
Cut a block of soil (plug) from an active fairy ring containing visible mycelium (white filaments).
- 2 Transplant
Insert the block into a new lawn location with similar soil conditions.
- 3 Irrigation
Water abundantly to aid in the integration of the mycelium into the new soil.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Marasmius oreades Grow?
TLDR: Marasmius oreades can reach up to 10cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
5.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- Soups and broths
- Risottos
- Sauces
- Powdered seasoning (after dehydration)
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In European mythology, the rings formed by this mushroom were seen as portals to the fairy realm or sites for ritualistic dancing.
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 | ⚠️ |
