Photo: eirieeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
King bolete Plant Care
Boletus edulis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fungi, known for its large cap and thick stem, originates from Europe and North America. Boletus edulis is a notable species in the wild. It has lookalikes, and edibility must never be judged from an app.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for King bolete?
Water King bolete every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 60–80% humidity.
Where Is the King bolete 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 King bolete?
King bolete (Boletus edulis) belongs to the Boletaceae family within the Boletus genus. King bolete is native to Europe, North America, Asia. King bolete is also known as penny bun, porcini.
King bolete displays a mycorrhizal, symbiotic growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. King bolete produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a King bolete?
Boletus edulis 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 King bolete Need?
King bolete thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing King bolete in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the King bolete Prefer?
Boletus edulis grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. King bolete prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a King bolete?
Well-draining, nutrient-rich mix. Good drainage is essential for King bolete to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a King bolete?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring or fall. 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 King bolete?
King bolete can be propagated through spores.
Is the King bolete Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list King bolete, 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 King bolete?
King bolete is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the King bolete Need?
King bolete grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. King bolete is native to Europe, North America, Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
King bolete 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 Boletus genus (family Boletaceae) — search all Boletus species in the plant lookup.
King bolete 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: Boletus edulis, family Boletaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list King bolete, 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: eiriee, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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