Photo: harriiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Honey fungus Plant Care
Armillaria ostoyae
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its large, honey-colored mushrooms that grow in clusters at the base of trees. Originating from North America, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique ability to form massive underground networks, making it the largest organism in the world.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Honey fungus?
Water Honey fungus every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Honey fungus Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Honey fungus?
Honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae) belongs to the Physalacriaceae family within the Armillaria genus. Honey fungus is native to North America, Europe. Honey fungus is also known as Shoestring root rot.
Honey fungus displays a parasitic, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Honey fungus produces none.
How Often Should You Water a Honey fungus?
Armillaria ostoyae requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Honey fungus Need?
Honey fungus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Honey fungus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Honey fungus Prefer?
Armillaria ostoyae grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Honey fungus prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Honey fungus?
Well-draining, rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Honey fungus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Honey fungus?
Feed Honey fungus every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Honey fungus?
Repot every 2-3 years during the spring season. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Honey fungus?
Honey fungus can be propagated through spores.
Is the Honey fungus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Honey fungus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app identification. Many mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes, and edibility must never be judged from an app.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Honey fungus?
Honey fungus is susceptible to none specific to armillaria ostoyae. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Honey fungus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Armillaria genus (family Physalacriaceae) — search all Armillaria species in the plant lookup.
Honey fungus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Armillaria ostoyae, family Physalacriaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Honey fungus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: harrii, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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