Photo: Robert M HallockCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Deceiver Plant Care
Laccaria laccata
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Laccaria laccata is easily recognizable by its bright orange to red caps, which stand out against the forest floor. Originating from North America and Europe, this species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and unique ability to form mycorrhizal relationships with tree roots.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
50–70°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Deceiver?
Water Deceiver every 7–14 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Deceiver 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 Deceiver?
Deceiver (Laccaria laccata) belongs to the family. Deceiver is native to North America, Europe, Asia. Deceiver is also known as deceiver agaric.
Deceiver displays a clumped, mycorrhizal growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Deceiver produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Deceiver?
Laccaria laccata requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Deceiver Need?
Deceiver thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Deceiver in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Deceiver Prefer?
Laccaria laccata grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Deceiver prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Deceiver?
Well-draining, acidic mix. Good drainage is essential for Deceiver to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Deceiver?
Feed Deceiver 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 Deceiver?
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.
How Do You Propagate a Deceiver?
Deceiver can be propagated through spores.
Is the Deceiver Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Deceiver, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app identification. Many mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes, and edibility must never be judged from an app.
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 Deceiver?
Deceiver 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
Deceiver 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 Laccaria genus — search all Laccaria species in the plant lookup.
Deceiver 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: Laccaria laccata — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Deceiver, 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: Robert M Hallock, 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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