Maltese Fungus Plant Care
Cynomorium coccineum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cynomorium is a genus of parasitic perennial flowering plants in the family Cynomoriaceae. The genus consists of only one species, Cynomorium coccineum.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Maltese Fungus?
Water Maltese Fungus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity.
What Is the Maltese Fungus?
Maltese Fungus (Cynomorium coccineum) belongs to the Cynomoriaceae family within the Cynomorium genus. Maltese Fungus is also known as Red Thumb, Tarragon Root.
Maltese Fungus displays a low clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Maltese Fungus produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Maltese Fungus?
Cynomorium coccineum requires watering every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Maltese Fungus Need?
Maltese Fungus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Maltese Fungus Prefer?
Cynomorium coccineum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Maltese Fungus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Maltese Fungus?
Well-draining sandy soil with low organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Maltese Fungus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Maltese Fungus?
Repot every 3-4 years. 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 Maltese Fungus?
Maltese Fungus can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Maltese Fungus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Maltese Fungus, 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 Maltese Fungus?
Maltese Fungus is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. 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 Maltese Fungus Need?
Maltese Fungus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Maltese Fungus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Maltese 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 Cynomorium genus — compare its care with other Cynomorium species on PlantoScan.
Cynomorium is part of the Cynomoriaceae plant family — browse all Cynomoriaceae genera and species.
Maltese 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: Cynomorium coccineum L., family Cynomoriaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 970 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Maltese 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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