Photo: relewCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Waxcap Plant Care
Hygrocybe ceracea
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hygrocybe ceracea is characterized by its waxy appearance and bright colors ranging from white to pale yellow. It is commonly found in damp woodlands or grassy areas. Plant enthusiasts appreciate it for its unique texture and vibrant hues that add a pop of color to any garden.
Bright indirect
At a glance
How do you care for Waxcap?
Waxcap grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Waxcap 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 Waxcap?
Waxcap (Hygrocybe ceracea) belongs to the Hygrophoraceae family within the Hygrocybe genus. Waxcap is native to Europe, North America. Waxcap is also known as Waxy cap.
Waxcap displays a clumped, compact growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Waxcap produces none.
What Light Does the Waxcap Need?
Waxcap thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Waxcap in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Waxcap?
Well-draining, rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Waxcap to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Waxcap?
Repot every 1-2 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Is the Waxcap Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Waxcap, 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 Waxcap?
Waxcap is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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
Waxcap 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 Hygrocybe genus (family Hygrophoraceae) — search all Hygrocybe species in the plant lookup.
Waxcap 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: Hygrocybe ceracea, family Hygrophoraceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Waxcap, 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: relew, 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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