Where do nether warts spawn naturally in Minecraft?

Nether warts only spawn naturally in nether fortresses. You'll find them growing on soul sand inside the fortress structures. This is the only place to find them without farming.

Can you grow nether warts in the Overworld?

No. Nether warts only grow in the Nether. You need to plant them on soul sand in a nether biome. They won't grow anywhere else, even if you place soul sand in the Overworld.

Do nether warts need light or water to grow?

Nether warts don't need light or water. Just plant them on soul sand in the Nether and they'll grow on their own. They have four growth stages before reaching full size.

How many nether warts should I collect from a fortress?

Grab at least a stack or two if you find a fortress. You'll want extras for brewing and farming. Once you have a few, you can grow your own supply without needing to find more fortresses.

What potions need nether warts to brew?

Almost every potion needs nether warts as a base. You make awkward potions first by adding nether warts to water bottles, then add other ingredients to create the actual potions you want.

Nether Wart Guide for Minecraft Java & Bedrock

Nether warts are one of the most useful items in Minecraft. You’ll need them for brewing potions, crafting nether wart blocks, and building red nether brick. Unlike most items, you can’t craft nether warts. You have to find and harvest them in the wild.

Finding Nether Warts in Survival Mode

Nether warts grow naturally in nether fortresses. This is the only place they spawn without player setup.

Step 1: Locate a Nether Fortress

Head into the Nether and search for a fortress. You’ll recognize them by their dark brick structures and layout. If you’re having trouble seeing, drink a potion of night vision first.

Nether fortresses have a specific layout. Inside them, you’ll find nether wart farms. These look like small dark red plants in soul sand blocks.

Step 2: Harvest the Warts

Break the nether warts by:

Java Edition: Left click and hold
Bedrock/PE: Tap and hold
PlayStation: Hold R2
Xbox: Hold RT
Nintendo Switch: Hold ZR

The wart breaks into a smaller version that drops on the ground.

Step 3: Collect Them

Pick up the warts before they despawn. They stack up to 64.

Growing Your Own Nether Wart Farm

Once you have a few warts, you can grow your own farm anywhere in the Nether. You’ll need soul sand and nether warts to start.

Plant the warts on soul sand blocks. They’ll grow through four stages. You don’t need water for nether warts, unlike crops in the overworld. Just place them on soul sand and wait. A full-grown wart is ready to harvest.

Crafting with Nether Warts

Nether warts are the main ingredient in tons of brewing recipes:

Awkward Potions (base for most potions)
Potion of Fire Resistance
Potion of Healing
Potion of Poison
Potion of Regeneration
Potion of Swiftness (Speed)
Potion of Strength
Potion of Leaping (Jump Boost)
Potion of Night Vision
Potion of Water Breathing
Potion of the Turtle Master
Potion of Slow Falling

You can also craft nether wart blocks and red nether bricks.

Item IDs and Commands

Java Edition

Item ID: nether_wart

Give command (1.13+): /give @p nether_wart 1

Give command (1.12 and earlier): /give @p nether_wart 1 0

Bedrock Edition