Cordyceps Mushroom #mycophiliac #mushorooms

https://www.mycophiliac.com/p/how-to-grow-cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic mushroom native to elevated regions in China, including Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Its unique growth process involves the mushroom sprouting from insect larvae, eventually leading to the host's demise. Despite its somewhat gruesome life cycle, Cordyceps is highly sought after for its medicinal properties, which range from enhancing athletic performance to combating the signs of aging.

Step 1: Procuring Cordyceps Inoculating Fluid
The first step in growing Cordyceps involves obtaining Cordyceps inoculating fluid, which contains the spores necessary for planting. This fluid can be purchased online and is shipped to various regions worldwide. It's worth noting that the fluid is more readily available in China and India, but it can also be sourced from other parts of the globe. The inoculating fluid can be procured from medicinal companies, research companies, or individuals who cultivate Cordyceps.

Step 2: Preparing the Substrate
The substrate, or the surface on which the Cordyceps will grow, is typically a grain. A pint-sized Mason jar is an ideal container for this purpose, providing a conducive environment for the mushroom's growth. Measure out 50 grams of your chosen grain, such as brown rice, standard millet, German millet, Indian millet, Chinese barley, standard barley, or black rice, and pour it into the jar. Brown rice is often considered the best grain substrate for Cordyceps.

Step 3: Hydrating and Sterilizing the Substrate
Next, add 60 mL of distilled water to the grain in the jar. The use of distilled water is recommended to avoid any impurities that may interfere with the growth of the Cordyceps. After adding the water, cover the jar and shake it to mix the grain and water.

The substrate then needs to be sterilized to ensure the purity of the crop. This is done by baking the substrate in a pan at 121°C (250°F) for 20 minutes. After sterilization, allow the substrate to cool before transferring it back into the jar.

Step 4: Introducing the Inoculating Fluid
Once the sterilized substrate is back in the jar, add 20 mL of the inoculating fluid. Shake the jar to mix the fluid into the substrate, which will aid in the growth of the Cordyceps cultures.

Step 5: Adding Insect Larvae
For a potent Cordyceps crop, it's advisable to introduce insect larvae to the substrate. While it's possible to grow Cordyceps in grains alone, the fungus is more likely to thrive when it has a host to feed off. Ghost moth larvae, silkworm pupa, or caterpillars are suitable options. These can be purchased online or harvested from nature.

Step 6: Maintaining Optimal Growth Conditions
Cordyceps require specific conditions to grow. They need continuous light, a humidity level of 70-80%, and a temperature of around 20°C (68°F). These conditions can be achieved by placing the jar under a grow light or lamp, using a humidity meter to monitor the room's humidity, and adjusting the room temperature as necessary. If the humidity is too low, the container can be sprayed with water. Conversely, if the humidity is too high, a dehumidifier can be used to reduce it.

Step 7: Incubating and Harvesting Cordyceps
After setting up the ideal conditions, the Cordyceps need to be left undisturbed to grow. Sprouts are typically visible within two weeks of planting, and the mushrooms reach full maturity in about 60 days. Once they have grown to the top of the jar or have been growing for 60 days, the Cordyceps can be harvested by plucking them from the substrate.