Photo: Ken-ichi UedaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Candlesnuff Fungus Plant Care
Xylaria hypoxylon
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking appearance of black, finger-like structures emerging from a white base, this fungus is a unique sight in the wooded areas of North America and Europe. Plant collectors are drawn to its unusual shape and coloration, making it a sought-after addition to their collections.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Candlesnuff Fungus?
Water Candlesnuff Fungus every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Candlesnuff Fungus 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 Candlesnuff Fungus?
Candlesnuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon) belongs to the Xylariaceae family within the Xylaria genus. Candlesnuff Fungus is native to North America, Europe, Asia. Candlesnuff Fungus is also known as Carbon Antlers.
Candlesnuff Fungus displays a clumped, upright growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Candlesnuff Fungus produces none.
How Often Should You Water a Candlesnuff Fungus?
Xylaria hypoxylon 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 Candlesnuff Fungus Need?
Candlesnuff Fungus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Candlesnuff Fungus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Candlesnuff Fungus Prefer?
Xylaria hypoxylon grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Candlesnuff Fungus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Candlesnuff Fungus?
Well-draining, rich organic mix. Good drainage is essential for Candlesnuff Fungus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Candlesnuff Fungus?
Feed Candlesnuff Fungus 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 Candlesnuff Fungus?
Every 1-2 years in spring. 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 Candlesnuff Fungus?
Candlesnuff Fungus can be propagated through spores.
Is the Candlesnuff Fungus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Candlesnuff Fungus, 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 Candlesnuff Fungus?
Candlesnuff Fungus is susceptible to n/a. 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
Candlesnuff 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 Xylaria genus (family Xylariaceae) — search all Xylaria species in the plant lookup.
Candlesnuff 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: Xylaria hypoxylon, family Xylariaceae — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Candlesnuff 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.
- Photo: Ken-ichi Ueda, 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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