Cladoniaceae
Reindeer lichen: Edible Plant
Cladonia rangiferina
Requires high air humidity and cooler conditions; avoid direct midday sun and use soft water or rainwater.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
-40° - 25°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Reindeer lichen?
Reindeer lichen (Cladonia rangiferina) is a medium-care plant from the Cladoniaceae family. Cladonia rangiferina, known as reindeer lichen, is a light grey, shrub-like species of lichen that grows in cold regions and tundras. Although it looks like a plant, it is actually a symbiotic community of fungus and algae. It is extremely resistant to low temperatures and serves as a primary food s...
Reindeer lichen grows up to 10cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 10 days, -40°C – 25°C, 60–90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Reindeer lichen is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Reindeer lichen?
TLDR: Reindeer lichen needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -40-25°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Reindeer lichen?
Maintain humidity by misting; the lichen absorbs water from the air. If it becomes brittle, lightly mist it to restore elasticity.
How Much Light Does Reindeer lichen Need?
Prefers indirect light or partial shade; too much direct sun can dry it out to brittleness.
What Is the Best Soil for Reindeer lichen?
Thrives best on acidic, poor soils or directly on rocks covered with a thin layer of humus.
What Pot Should You Use for Reindeer lichen?
Shallow pots with excellent drainage or natural substrates like tree bark and rocks.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 2 days
What Is Reindeer lichen and Where Does It Come From?
Cladonia rangiferina, known as reindeer lichen, is a light grey, shrub-like species of lichen that grows in cold regions and tundras. Although it looks like a plant, it is actually a symbiotic community of fungus and algae. It is extremely resistant to low temperatures and serves as a primary food source for reindeer during winter.
How to Propagate Reindeer lichen?
Fragmentation
- Never use tap water due to sensitivity to chlorine
- Lichen grows very slowly, be patient
- 1 Preparing fragments
Carefully separate small pieces (tufts) of lichen from the mother colony.
- 2 Placement
Place the fragments on a moist, sandy or peaty substrate.
- 3 Maintaining moisture
Regularly mist with distilled water until the lichen stabilizes in its new location.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Reindeer lichen Grow?
TLDR: Reindeer lichen can reach up to 10cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Antibacterial action (usnic acid)
- Traditional cold remedy
- Aid for digestive problems
Culinary Uses
- Traditional food in times of crisis (after acid removal)
- Thickener for soups
- Ingredient for flavoring brandies
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes endurance, survival in extreme conditions, and environmental purity.
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 | ⚠️ |
