Photo: Julien TchilinguirianCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Copper Spike Plant Care
Chroogomphus rutilus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Chroogomphus rutilus is easily recognizable by its vibrant copper-colored cap and stem. It is commonly found in coniferous forests across North America and Europe. It forms a mycorrhizal relationship with trees. It has lookalikes, and edibility must never be judged from an app.
Bright indirect
At a glance
How do you care for Copper Spike?
Copper Spike grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Copper Spike 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 Copper Spike?
Copper Spike (Chroogomphus rutilus) belongs to the Gomphidiaceae family within the Chroogomphus genus. Copper Spike is native to North America, Europe. Copper Spike is also known as Copper Spike Mushroom.
Copper Spike displays a mycorrhizal, fruiting body growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Copper Spike produces none.
What Light Does the Copper Spike Need?
Copper Spike thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Copper Spike in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Copper Spike?
Well-draining acidic soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Copper Spike to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Copper Spike?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Is the Copper Spike Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Copper Spike, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Copper Spike?
Copper Spike is susceptible to slugs, snails, nematodes. 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
Copper Spike 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 Chroogomphus genus (family Gomphidiaceae) — search all Chroogomphus species in the plant lookup.
Copper Spike 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: Chroogomphus rutilus, family Gomphidiaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Copper Spike, 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: Julien Tchilinguirian, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Copper Spike Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species