Xylariaceae
stag's horn: Best for Low Light
Xylaria
Xylaria requires a constant supply of moisture and high humidity, typically growing on decaying hardwood. It thrives in shaded, cool environments and does not require traditional fertilization or sunlight.
Every 2 days
Low light
12° - 24°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is stag's horn?
stag's horn (Xylaria) is a medium-care plant from the Xylariaceae family. Xylaria, commonly known as the Stag's Horn fungus or Candle-snuff fungus, is a genus of ascomycete fungi. It is characterized by its tough, carbonaceous, and upright fruiting bodies that often branch like antlers. Initially, the tips are covered in white asexual spores (conidia), giving them a 'snuf...
stag's horn grows up to 10cm, spread of 10cm, watering every 2 days, 12°C – 24°C, 70–95% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for stag's horn?
TLDR: stag's horn needs Low light, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 12-24°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water stag's horn?
Mist the fruiting bodies and the wood substrate daily to ensure they never dry out.
How Much Light Does stag's horn Need?
Keep in low-light conditions; direct sunlight will quickly dry out the specimen and halt growth.
What Is the Best Soil for stag's horn?
Does not grow in soil; requires decaying organic matter, specifically hardwood timber.
What Pot Should You Use for stag's horn?
A glass terrarium or humidity chamber with a base of decaying hardwood logs or chips.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is stag's horn and Where Does It Come From?
Xylaria, commonly known as the Stag's Horn fungus or Candle-snuff fungus, is a genus of ascomycete fungi. It is characterized by its tough, carbonaceous, and upright fruiting bodies that often branch like antlers. Initially, the tips are covered in white asexual spores (conidia), giving them a 'snuffed candle' appearance, before turning entirely black as they mature and produce sexual spores.
How to Propagate stag's horn?
Spore Dispersal
- Use distilled water to prevent mold contamination
- Ensure the wood substrate is from a hardwood tree like Oak or Beech
- 1 Spore Collection
Place a mature, black fruiting body over a piece of sterilized damp hardwood.
- 2 Incubation
Seal the wood in a high-humidity container at room temperature.
- 3 Colonization
Wait for white mycelium to cover the wood surface before providing air exchange.
Materials needed:
Mycelial Transfer
- Maintain 80% plus humidity
- Avoid softwoods like pine as they contain resins that inhibit growth
- 1 Substrate Selection
Identify a piece of wood already colonized by Xylaria mycelium.
- 2 Inoculation
Place the colonized wood in direct contact with fresh, damp hardwood.
- 3 Moisture Control
Keep the setup heavily misted and shaded until new fruiting bodies emerge.
Materials needed:
How Big Does stag's horn Grow?
TLDR: stag's horn can reach up to 10cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
10cm
Growth rate
Medium
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
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 decay and rebirth within the forest floor ecosystem.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
