Physalacriaceae
Porcelain Fungus: Best for Low Light
Mucidula mucida
This is a fungus, not a plant; it requires high humidity, decaying beech wood substrate, and cool, shaded conditions to fruit.
Every 2 days
Low light
5° - 20°C
80% - 100%
Categories
What is Porcelain Fungus?
Porcelain Fungus (Mucidula mucida) is a hard-care plant from the Physalacriaceae family. Mucidula mucida, commonly known as the Porcelain Fungus, is a striking white mushroom found primarily on dead beech wood. It is characterized by its translucent, slimy (mucilaginous) cap that glows when backlit. While technically edible after washing off the slime, it is mostly valued for its ethere...
Porcelain Fungus grows up to 10cm, spread of 15cm, watering every 2 days, 5°C – 20°C, 80–100% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Porcelain Fungus demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Porcelain Fungus is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Porcelain Fungus?
TLDR: Porcelain Fungus needs Low light, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 5-20°C with 80-100% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Porcelain Fungus?
Keep the substrate and surrounding air saturated; the fungus relies on high moisture to maintain its mucilaginous coating.
How Much Light Does Porcelain Fungus Need?
Avoid direct sunlight; requires deep shade typical of a forest floor.
What Is the Best Soil for Porcelain Fungus?
Requires decaying hardwood, specifically beech, rather than traditional soil.
What Pot Should You Use for Porcelain Fungus?
Not suitable for pots; requires natural beech logs or wood-rich substrate.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Porcelain Fungus and Where Does It Come From?
Mucidula mucida, commonly known as the Porcelain Fungus, is a striking white mushroom found primarily on dead beech wood. It is characterized by its translucent, slimy (mucilaginous) cap that glows when backlit. While technically edible after washing off the slime, it is mostly valued for its ethereal beauty and its role in forest decomposition.
How to Propagate Porcelain Fungus?
Spore Dispersal
- Ensure the wood is from a Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica).
- Maintain constant moisture without stagnant water.
- 1 Spore Collection
Place a mature cap on white paper to collect the white spore print.
- 2 Inoculation
Introduce spores into sterilized beech wood substrate or fresh beech logs.
- 3 Incubation
Keep in a cool, dark, and extremely humid environment until mycelium colonizes the wood.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Porcelain Fungus Grow?
TLDR: Porcelain Fungus can reach up to 10cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
15cm
Growth rate
Fast
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Source of strobilurins used in antifungal research
Culinary Uses
- Edible after removing the slimy cuticle
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents purity and the delicate balance of forest ecosystems.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky false asphodel | Hard | Bright indirect | 1d | ✓ |
| Creeping bentgrass | Hard | Direct sun | 3d | ✓ |
| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
| Crystal Anthurium | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | ⚠️ |
