Photo: Ludivine LamareCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bubble mold Plant Care
Hemitrichia serpula
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique slime mold stands out with its bright orange, hair-like sporangia that resemble tiny coral branches. Originating from North America, Hemitrichia serpula is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual and captivating appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bubble mold?
Water Bubble mold every 3–7 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 Bubble mold 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 Bubble mold?
Bubble mold (Hemitrichia serpula) belongs to the Trichiaceae family within the Hemitrichia genus. Bubble mold is native to North America, Europe, Asia.
Bubble mold displays a clumped, gelatinous growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Bubble mold produces none.
How Often Should You Water a Bubble mold?
Hemitrichia serpula requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bubble mold Need?
Bubble mold thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Bubble mold in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bubble mold Prefer?
Hemitrichia serpula grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Bubble mold 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 Bubble mold?
Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Bubble mold to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bubble mold?
Feed Bubble mold 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 Bubble mold?
Repot every 6-12 months. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Is the Bubble mold Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bubble mold, 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 Bubble mold?
Bubble mold is susceptible to none. 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
Bubble mold 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 Hemitrichia genus (family Trichiaceae) — search all Hemitrichia species in the plant lookup.
Bubble mold 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: Hemitrichia serpula, family Trichiaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bubble mold, 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: Ludivine Lamare, 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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