Thelephoraceae
stinking earthfan: Best for Low Light
Thelephora palmata
This is a wild-growing fungus that requires specific forest conditions and cannot be cultivated as a typical potted plant.
Every 3 days
Low light
5° - 22°C
70% - 95%
Categories
What is stinking earthfan?
stinking earthfan (Thelephora palmata) is a hard-care plant from the Thelephoraceae family. Thelephora palmata, known as the stinking earthfan, is a coral-like fungus that grows on the ground in coniferous forests. It is characterized by its dark brown color, fan-shaped branches with white tips, and a very penetrating, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotting cabbage or garlic. It forms myco...
stinking earthfan grows up to 10cm, spread of 15cm, watering every 3 days, 5°C – 22°C, 70–95% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, stinking earthfan demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for stinking earthfan?
TLDR: stinking earthfan needs Low light, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 5-22°C with 70-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water stinking earthfan?
Must be kept consistently moist, but does not tolerate standing water.
How Much Light Does stinking earthfan Need?
Thrives best in deep shade on the forest floor, protected from direct sunlight.
What Is the Best Soil for stinking earthfan?
Needs acidic, moist soil rich in organic matter and in close proximity to conifers.
What Pot Should You Use for stinking earthfan?
Not suitable for pots; requires a natural forest floor with living host trees.
Care Schedule
Misting
Every 1 days
What Is stinking earthfan and Where Does It Come From?
Thelephora palmata, known as the stinking earthfan, is a coral-like fungus that grows on the ground in coniferous forests. It is characterized by its dark brown color, fan-shaped branches with white tips, and a very penetrating, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotting cabbage or garlic. It forms mycorrhizae with trees and plays an important role in the forest ecosystem.
How to Propagate stinking earthfan?
Spore Propagation
- Requires specific soil bacteria to stimulate germination.
- Avoid disturbing the soil after inoculation.
- 1 Spore Harvesting
Collect mature fruiting bodies in the fall when they release spores.
- 2 Substrate Preparation
Find an area with suitable host trees (spruce or pine) and moist, acidic soil.
- 3 Inoculation
Spread the spores near the roots of the host tree to establish a mycorrhizal connection.
Materials needed:
How Big Does stinking earthfan Grow?
TLDR: stinking earthfan can reach up to 10cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
15cm
Growth rate
Slow
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
Often associated with decay and nature's recycling process in folklore.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky false asphodel | Hard | Bright indirect | 1d | ✓ |
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| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | ✓ |
| Crystal Anthurium | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | ⚠️ |
