Cultivating Psilocybe cubensis: Suitable Substrates (2024)

FAQs

What is the bulk substrate for cubensis? ›

Manure/Compost

Manure is the aged, dried excrement of horses, cows, elephants, etc. It is one of the most effective bulk substrates for dung loving species like psilocybe cubensis, panaeolus cyanescens and agaricus bisporus (Portobello). It is usually cheap or free if it can be located.

The main nutrients are less nitrogen and more carbon so materials containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin (i.e., rice and wheat straw, cotton seed hulls, sawdust [SD], waste paper, leaves, and sugarcane residue) can be used as mushroom substrates [8].

Rye Grain. If you have access to Rye, it will be your best choice most of the time. It's excellent at holding water (can hold more moisture than any other grain), and doesn't often burst or get mushy when processed. Also, mushrooms of all types seem to absolutely love rye as a source of nutrition.

Straw mushrooms, as the name suggests, thrive on straw substrate. They are relatively easy to grow and yield a substantial harvest. On the other hand, growing psilocybe cubensis on straw can also yield good results, although it may require a bit more attention to detail regarding environmental conditions.

Pretty much every mushroom growing resource I could find says that oyster mushrooms are the easiest variety for first time-growers, as they grow fast and can easily thrive in substrates made of things like coffee grounds and straw, making them relatively low maintenance.

If you decide to make your own manure substrate blend, the easiest formulation is 50% coco coir and 50% horse manure. Coco coir can be purchased by the bag from most grow shops specializing in hydroponic or urban gardening.

Sawdust, especially from hardwood pellets, is a favored substrate for growing mycelium of various mushroom species, offering a nutrient-rich environment conducive to robust mushroom cultivation.

How to prepare a cardboard-based substrate: There's no need for a recipe when it comes to growing on cardboard. Simply gather as much cardboard as you need and soak it in boiling water. After allowing your cardboard to cool and squeezing out any leftover water, you're ready to colonise it with mushroom spawn.

wheat bran, horse gram and red gram to substrates enhance the mycelial growth, biomass production and lignocellulolytic enzyme secretion of C. indica and offers scope for yield improvement.

The optimal temperature for mycelium growth of both oyster mushroom species was obtained at 28℃.

What humidity for growing cubensis? ›

AND GROWTH IN PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS

The fastest growth and the lowest transpiration occurred at the highest humidities. No inhibition of growth was detected at 0 pascals VPD (100% RH). Misting accelerated growth and transpiration while light had no effect.

Overall, gypsum is a useful tool in mushroom cultivation and is often used in conjunction with other additives like lime, peat moss, and vermiculite to create a balanced and nutritious growing substrate for mushrooms.

Preparation of Straw Substrate

Cut straw into 3-4 inch lengths. A shredder may be used, or if not available, weed-whacking straw in a garbage can do the job. Pasteurize: Indoors: Straw in pillow case, nylon mesh laundry bag or similar, submerged in water and heated 160-170 degrees F.

Most mushrooms grow best near a neutral pH range; the optimum pH for mushroom cultivation and mycelial colonization is between 6.0 and 7.0 (Oyster Mushrooms: 6.5-7.0, Shiitake Mushrooms: 5.0-5.5). The pH of the substrate affects the growth and yield of mushrooms.

Yields seem to be slightly higher, and the shelf life seems to be a little better on this substrate, although some further experimentation is still needed. Lion's Mane can also grow on straw, although I have not personally tried this method. (I try to avoid messy straw as much as possible!)

The more spawn used the faster the bulk substrate will colonize. Recommended spawn ratios are usually no less than 20% (1 part spawn to 4 parts substrate).

The amount of bulk substrate and spawn you will need will be dependent upon the size of your tub, but generally, one three-pound bag of spawn can be expected to colonize one or two monotubs, when combined with ten pounds of sterilized substrate.

However, for a successful monotub substrate, you can use a combination of 80% coconut coir and 20% vermiculite by volume. Another successful mushroom substrate recipe involves using 30% cow manure or horse manure, 30% vermiculite, and 40% coco coir.