Photo: Jacqui GeuxCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Giant puffball Plant Care
Calvatia gigantea
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This massive fungus is recognized by its round shape and large size, often reaching up to 3 feet in diameter. Originating from North America, Calvatia gigantea is a prized find for plant collectors due to its unique appearance and rarity in the wild. Its white, spiky outer layer adds to its appeal, making it a standout addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant puffball?
Water Giant puffball every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity.
Where Is the Giant puffball 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 Giant puffball?
Giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) belongs to the Agaricaceae family within the Calvatia genus. Giant puffball is native to North America, Europe. Giant puffball is also known as Giant earthstar.
Giant puffball displays a large, round growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Giant puffball produces none~nativeto: north america, europe.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant puffball?
Calvatia gigantea 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 Giant puffball Need?
Giant puffball thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Giant puffball in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant puffball Prefer?
Calvatia gigantea grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Giant puffball prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant puffball?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Giant puffball to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Giant puffball?
Repot every 1-2 years~flower: None~nativeTo: North America, Europe. 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 Giant puffball?
Giant puffball can be propagated through spores.
Is the Giant puffball Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant puffball, 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 Giant puffball?
Giant puffball is susceptible to none~potting: repot every 1-2 years~flower: none~nativeto: north america, europe. 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
Giant puffball 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 Calvatia genus (family Agaricaceae) — search all Calvatia species in the plant lookup.
Giant puffball 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: Calvatia gigantea, family Agaricaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant puffball, 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: Jacqui Geux, 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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