Photo: Albert CardonaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Redlead Roundhead Plant Care
Cortinarius rubellus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cortinarius rubellus is a striking mushroom with bright red caps and a distinctive rusty orange spore print. It is commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly in North America and Europe. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to this species for its vibrant coloration and unique appearance in the wild.
Every 2–3 days
Bright indirect
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Redlead Roundhead?
Water Redlead Roundhead every 2–3 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. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Redlead Roundhead 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 Redlead Roundhead?
Redlead Roundhead (Cortinarius rubellus) belongs to the Cortinariaceae family within the Cortinarius genus. Redlead Roundhead is native to Europe, North America. Redlead Roundhead is also known as Ruby Cort.
Redlead Roundhead displays a clumped, mycorrhizal growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Redlead Roundhead produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Redlead Roundhead?
Cortinarius rubellus requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Redlead Roundhead Need?
Redlead Roundhead thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Redlead Roundhead in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Redlead Roundhead Prefer?
Cortinarius rubellus grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Redlead Roundhead 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 Redlead Roundhead?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Redlead Roundhead to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Redlead Roundhead?
Feed Redlead Roundhead every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Redlead Roundhead?
Repot every 1-2 years in springtime. 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 Redlead Roundhead?
Redlead Roundhead can be propagated through spores.
Is the Redlead Roundhead Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Redlead Roundhead, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
Toxic to humans if ingested
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 Redlead Roundhead?
Redlead Roundhead is susceptible to slugs, snails, mites. 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
Redlead Roundhead 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 Cortinarius genus (family Cortinariaceae) — search all Cortinarius species in the plant lookup.
Redlead Roundhead 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: Cortinarius rubellus, family Cortinariaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Redlead Roundhead, 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: Albert Cardona, 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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