Hypoxylaceae
Rusty Crust: Best for Low Light
Hypoxylon rubiginosum
As a forest fungus, it requires decaying wood, constant high humidity, and shaded environments to thrive.
Every 3 days
Low light
10° - 25°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is Rusty Crust?
Rusty Crust (Hypoxylon rubiginosum) is a hard-care plant from the Hypoxylaceae family. Hypoxylon rubiginosum is a saprophytic ascomycete fungus that develops primarily on the dead wood of broadleaf trees. It is characterized by forming thin, flattened stromata with a distinctive brick-red or rust color that turns black with age. It is not a plant, but a fungus that plays a crucial rol...
Rusty Crust grows up to 1cm, spread of 50cm, watering every 3 days, 10°C – 25°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Rusty Crust demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Rusty Crust is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Rusty Crust?
TLDR: Rusty Crust needs Low light, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Rusty Crust?
Keep the wood substrate constantly saturated with water by misting.
How Much Light Does Rusty Crust Need?
Prefers deep forest shade; direct sunlight dries out the mycelium and halts growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Rusty Crust?
Does not grow in soil; it requires a wood substrate (lignin) for nutrients.
What Pot Should You Use for Rusty Crust?
Not suitable for pots; requires decaying hardwood logs.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is Rusty Crust and Where Does It Come From?
Hypoxylon rubiginosum is a saprophytic ascomycete fungus that develops primarily on the dead wood of broadleaf trees. It is characterized by forming thin, flattened stromata with a distinctive brick-red or rust color that turns black with age. It is not a plant, but a fungus that plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in forest ecosystems.
How to Propagate Rusty Crust?
Spore dispersal
- The wood must be dead but not excessively rotted by other fungi.
- 1 Spore collection
Obtain spores from a mature, dark red stroma.
- 2 Inoculation
Introduce the spores into cracks of moist wood from species such as beech or oak.
- 3 Incubation
Keep the wood in a moisture-saturated environment protected from the wind.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Rusty Crust Grow?
TLDR: Rusty Crust can reach up to 1cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
1cm
Spread
50cm
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 the cycle of renewal and the transformation of death into new life within the forest.
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 | ⚠️ |
