Chris Buckland
If you’re trying to figure out all the ins and outs of in-house gardening, you have come to the right place. Today, let’s talk about Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii.
Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii is the scientific name of a gilled mushroom, commonly known as Plantpot Dapperling. This conical or flat, yellow mushroom might be familiar to you as it tends to grow alongside the potted plants.
If you see them growing, know that they pose no harm to the plants or to you. They actually help decompose the dead matter present in the plants, a source of nutrition not only for them but also for the plant itself.
Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii is most commonly found in the tropical rainforests where the environment and ecosystem are perfect for their nourished growth; hot and humid. Its strong linkage with the tropical forests makes it an exotic fungus, increasing its importance if found in household plants.
You must be wondering what to do with these small yellow mushrooms? Should you remove them or make use of them? We’ll explain all that further in the article, but first, let’s get to know them a little.
Characteristics of Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii
| Origin | USA, North Carolina |
| Botanical Name | Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii |
| Common Names | Flowerpot Parasol, Lemon-Yellow-Lepiota, Plantpot Dapperling, Yellow Pleated Parasol |
| Type | Mushroom |
| Maintenance | Very Low |
| Light | Semi-Shade to Full Shade |
| Gills | Free from the stem, crowded too at times |
| Temperature | 65-68⁰F |
| Toxicity | Mildly Toxic |
| Maximum Size | 7-10 Cm Tall |
| Hardiness | USDA 10-12 |
| Propagation | Self-Propagating |
Caring for your Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii
Sunlight:
The Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii is known to sprout in places where there is either full shade or semi-shade. They do not require direct sunlight and prefer shade to grow properly. Exposing them to sunlight will definitely cause them to decompose, and you will lose the beautiful addition to your floral family. Here is a complete guide on How Much Light Does Your Plant Need?
Water:
This gilled mushroom has moderate water needs, which are primarily required to keep the soil moist and perfect for its growth. Keeping that in mind, we would suggest a pot with minimal water seepage for this Parasol to give it the perfect environment to grow.
Temperature:
The Flowerpot Parasol (another common name for this mushroom) prefers tropical temperatures, ranging between 65-68⁰F. If the temperature falls below 65⁰F the mushrooms will wilt and shrink. They are also known to thrive in the warm climate present in a greenhouse, showing that if there is the right amount of humidity, they can also survive in temperatures till 80⁰F.
Humidity:
They require conditions that have high humidity in which they can flourish adequately. Since it is a type of fungus, it thrives in high humid environments. If the humidity level drops, it increases the chance of the mushrooms not blooming, and their growth is stagnant.
But if you want to get rid of them, keeping them in a low humid area would do the trick! You may want to know more about humidity. Here is detailed information on What is High Humidity and How to Increase Humidity for Your Houseplants
Fertilizer:
Flowerpot Parasol loves to show up in soil that is well fertilized. You can use spray fertilizer to keep them blooming, but it is unnecessary as they draw all their nutrients from the soil they have sprouted in.
Soil:
They love humus-enriched and moist soil. Decomposing leaves, stems, and flowers serve as a substantial source of humus that the Flowerpot Parasol can absorb. Apart from that, keep the soil moist, and you are set to keep the mushrooms for a longer time period. In a case where the soil dries up, the parasol is bound to decompose within a few hours.
Grooming:
The Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii does not require any hectic kind of grooming. Just keeping the conditions perfect can be the best you can do for them. They thrive and provide an aesthetic, ornamental look preferred by many people.
Propagating:
The Flowerpot Parasol is self-propagating. If one is seen sprouting, there will be a cluster around it soon enough. Apart from that, if your pot with the parasol is present around other plants, there is a high chance that the spores will be carried to them and the Parasol will propagate in those pots too.
Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii Decoration Ideas:
On a Tabletop:
The Flowerpot Parasol would look great on your tabletop, where they can flourish well in the perfect environment. Considering that it only grows 8-10 cm at max, you do not have to worry about it moving out of the pot anytime soon.
A Cup:
If you are someone who likes minimalistic things, keeping them in a cup would be ideal. Since they do not grow large in size and give the most beautiful ornamental look, they look great in a small cup right on your study table giving it the perfect aesthetic look.
Beside a Plant At your Door:
Keeping a Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii at your door alone would make it quite lonely, therefore you can place other plants besides it for company! This would enhance the outlook of the plant and make them a very good addition.
Common Issues of the Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii
Since the Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii is a type of fungus, there are no common diseases or pests that affect it. Even fungicides seem to be incapable of getting rid of it. The only issues you can face are pertaining to the conditions it is kept in. If their conditions are not up to the standard, they will decompose.
Risk associated with Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii
Generally, the plant itself is not toxic. The mushrooms, however, are said to be toxic. They can cause stomach problems if consumed by someone, although the severity is not really known. They are also toxic to animals. So if you have pets and small kids, it is advised that you keep them at a high place, away from their reach.
Why is the Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii a great choice?
Add Aesthetic Value:
Mostly when having house plants, people look for plants that can add an aesthetic touch to their home. That’s where the Flowerpot Parasol comes in, it can elevate the overall look of a plant along with your home just by its marvelous beauty.
Very Low Maintenance:
It requires very low maintenance, especially if it is kept with another plant. The leaves not only serve as a source of shade but also a source of food when they fall. The Parasol feeds on decaying matter to bloom and show off its mushroom head. The only thing that needs to be checked is if the soil is moist or not. Apart from that, there is no special care involved.
Simple yet Elegant:
The mushroom outlook of the Flowerpot Parasol is really simple but provides a very elegant touch to your setup. Once the mushroom blooms appropriately, the elegance of it just increases.
Bio-Degrader:
If you are tired of cleaning out your flower pots that have all the dry leaves, insects, and other dead organisms, the Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii can make your worries go away as it is also a well-known decomposer.
It was primarily known as one that dominates the tropical terrains. This could also serve as a very useful property of the Parasol if you were to start grooming it.
The Leucocoprinus Birnbaumii is a lovely addition to your houseplant collection. Its pale-yellow color and beautiful mushrooms make it something desirable.
Moreover, the quality of these fungi to break down dead organisms in the soil make it a delightful companion for a pot plant that you already might have.
So, give your home a pastel vibe with this pale yellow mushroom plant, and get a caring friend for your other houseplants!
If you want to know about various other houseplants and how to keep the nourished, check out our other blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Leucocoprinus birnbaumii poisonous?
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is a toxic mushroom that contains the substance leucocyanidin, which has a dangerous effect on the human body.
Symptoms that may occur after eating Leucocoprinus birnbaumii include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and dizziness, which can result in a dangerous condition called toxic hyphema.
How do you get rid of Leucocoprinus birnbaumii?
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is a common and hard-to-get rid of mushroom in Most of the temperate parts of the world.
The problem with this mushroom is that It’s really toxic and bad for your health. That’s why you should always be very careful when dealing with it, it can even cause death if not handled properly.
The only real way to get rid of it is to chop it off with a sharp knife and throw it away somewhere not hard to reach in case you yourself ever eat some food contaminated with this fungus.
Another good option would be to try some chemical treatments such as PDB, Hydrogen Peroxide or Vinegar spray but use them at your own risk.
Are Leucocoprinus birnbaumii edible?
I would advise you not to eat Leucocoprinus birnbaumii and other potentially dangerous mushrooms.
Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is considered inedible due to its unpredictable effects on humans. Researchers advise against eating this mushroom.
If you insist on eating it, be careful because this mushroom can easily be confused with other edible species.
