Cankerbloom MTG Card


Cankerbloom provides recurring card retrieval from the graveyard, ensuring a steady resource supply. The card offers instant speed actions, enhancing flexibility and strategic gameplay during matches. While versatile, the discard requirement and specific mana cost can limit Cankerbloom’s effectiveness.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Fungus
Abilities Proliferate
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

, Sacrifice Cankerbloom: Choose one — • Destroy target artifact. • Destroy target enchantment. • Proliferate. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there.)


Cards like Cankerbloom

Cankerbloom is a green card that adds a touch of nature’s resilience to a player’s deck arsenal in MTG. It draws a comparison with Overgrown Battlement, another card that taps for green mana based on the number of defenders a player controls. Where Cankerbloom differs, though, is its capability to tap for mana solely based on the number of creatures with a +1/+1 counter on them, regardless of their position. This makes it particularly potent in decks focused on +1/+1 counter synergies.

Elvish Mystic and Llanowar Elves are basic green creatures that also tap for mana, but their potency is singular—they each provide one green mana per tap without additional conditions or the potential for growth. Conversely, Cankerbloom has the potential to tap for more mana as the +1/+1 counters accumulate on different creatures over time.

Assessing the unique features of these cards, Cankerbloom offers a special advantage in strategies swarming with counters. Its ability aligns well with green’s innate affinity for growth and creature enhancement, solidifying its niche among mana-generating creatures in the game.

Overgrown Battlement - MTG Card versions
Elvish Mystic - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Overgrown Battlement - MTG Card versions
Elvish Mystic - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cankerbloom by color, type and mana cost

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Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Elvish Archers - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ayula, Queen Among Bears - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Cankerbloom. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green StompyMono-Green Stompy GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Golgari PoisonGolgari Poison StandardGolgari PoisonTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 8, 2024
Gruul StompyGruul Stompy GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Selesnya MidrangeSelesnya Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 11 2024
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 12 2024
Naya MonstersNaya Monsters Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Turbo BloodTurbo Blood Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
UBRGUBRG Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cankerbloom offers a unique edge by potentially returning a key card from your graveyard to your hand each turn. This consistent utility ensures you keep pulling valuable resources for outmaneuvering opponents.

Resource Acceleration: By tapping into your graveyard’s reserves, Cankerbloom eliminates the typical mana costs for retrieving these cards, essentially accelerating your resources and setting the stage for powerful plays without expending additional mana.

Instant Speed: Its instant speed capability provides the flexibility to react on your opponent’s turn, disrupting their strategy while bolstering your position. This instantaneous nature allows for surprise factor and strategic depth, keeping opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Implementing Cankerbloom into your strategy can come at the price of card economy. To cast Cankerbloom, you are obliged to discard another card which can be a hindrance, especially when your hand is lacking in options or you are in dire need of maintaining card advantage over your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Cankerbloom’s mana cost is specific and requires a particular combination of mana types, which might not be easily available in all deck types. This may restrict its inclusion in decks that cannot consistently provide the necessary mana colors, reducing its overall versatility in gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its higher casting cost, Cankerbloom may not be the most mana-efficient choice for your deck. In a game where tempo and efficient use of mana can determine the winner, there are alternative cards that could potentially offer similar or better effects at a lower mana investment, making them more conducive to a well-curved game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cankerbloom’s ability to generate a certain color of mana or become a creature provides flexibility to adapt to various game situations. This makes it a useful card across multiple deck archetypes and play styles, offering strategic options round after round.

Combo Potential: The dual functionality of Cankerbloom allows it to synergize with both land-based strategies and creature-based combos. It can be a key component in decks that capitalize on lands entering the battlefield or require a swift transition to offensive creatures.

Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability, Cankerbloom can hold its own in a diverse meta. Whether facing fast-paced aggro decks or slower, control-oriented matches, its capacity to provide mana acceleration or an additional creature can make it a valuable asset in many matchups.


How to beat

Cankerbloom is a card that can take root and disrupt strategies in Magic: The Gathering, especially when it proliferates around the board. Overcoming this persistent threat calls for a proactive approach. A solid tactic to consider is employing removal spells that can target enchantments, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, swiftly taking Cankerbloom out of the equation. Another method is using counterspells to prevent Cankerbloom from entering the battlefield altogether; Negate, for instance, provides a cost-effective way to counteract the spell as it is cast.

Control decks that can manipulate both hand and battlefield are particularly effective against Cankerbloom. By keeping the opponent’s hand size in check and removing their key creatures before Cankerbloom’s triggered ability can take effect, the card’s impact is greatly diminished. Similarly, decks that can quickly put pressure on an opponent may force Cankerbloom to remain inactive, as the opponent may not have the leisure to invest mana in it, instead having to respond to more immediate threats.

In essence, swift action, strategic spell selection, and pressure tactics are your allies against Cankerbloom, presenting paths to maintain dominance despite its thorny presence in Magic: The Gathering matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategic nuances of MTG with cards like Cankerbloom, a dynamic addition offering both advantages and challenges. By leveraging its resource acceleration and flexible instant speed actions, you can outplay adversaries, though it’s vital to manage its discard requirement and specific mana needs. Enhance your deck’s potency by understanding both the pros and cons of this card. Embark on a voyage of tactical refinement and make Cankerbloom a pivotal part of your winning strategy. Hungry for more insights and tips on strengthening your gameplay? Join us to explore the multifaceted world of MTG and sharpen your competitive edge.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cankerbloom MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Cankerbloom and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cankerbloom Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 1612015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4512015NormalBlackRavenna Tran
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2942015NormalBlackRavenna Tran

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cankerbloom has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cankerbloom card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-02-04 An ability that triggers "Whenever you proliferate" triggers even if you chose no permanents or players while doing so.
2023-02-04 If a permanent ever has both +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters on it at the same time, they're removed in pairs as a state-based action so that the permanent has only one of those kinds of counters on it.
2023-02-04 If a player or permanent has more than one kind of counter on it, and you choose for it to get additional counters, it must get one of each kind of counter it already has. You can't have it get just one kind of counter it already has and not the others.
2023-02-04 Players can respond to a spell or ability whose effect includes proliferating. Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it's too late for anyone to respond.
2023-02-04 To proliferate, you can choose any permanent that has a counter, including ones controlled by opponents. You can choose any player who has a counter, including opponents. You can't choose cards in any zone other than the battlefield, even if they have counters on them.
2023-02-04 You don't have to choose every permanent or player that has a counter, only the ones you want to add another counter to. Since "any number" includes zero, you don't have to choose any permanents at all, and you don't have to choose any players at all.