Cultivating Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms can be a transformative and enlightening endeavor, but it can also present challenges, especially for newcomers to the world of mycology. That’s where the convenience and effectiveness of grow bags come into play.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of all-in-one growing bags, identify the best ones for Psilocybe cubensis, discuss how to grow mushrooms in an all in one bag, and explain how you can make one yourself.
Advantages of Psilocybe Cubensis grow bags
There are several advantages of using an all in one grow bag for Psilocybe Cubensis. Here are some key benefits:
Ease of Use
Grow bags are user-friendly and especially suitable for beginners. They’re typically pre-sterilized before they’re sold to consumers, so sers do not need to perform time-consuming and potentially tricky sterilization procedures themselves, such as pressure cooking or autoclaving.
Inoculating grow bags is a straightforward process. You can introduce Psilocybe cubensis spores or mycelium into the substrate by injecting them directly onto the substrate.
Consistent Environment
Many grow bags are designed to create an optimal fruiting environment for Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. They often have a microclimate that maintains humidity and temperature, reducing the need for frequent adjustments or misting, which can be required in other cultivation setups.
Reduced Labor
Once the grow bags are inoculated, they require minimal maintenance. You may need to check on them periodically to ensure they remain free of contamination and monitor the progress of mycelium colonization. However, compared to other cultivation methods, the level of hands-on care required is relatively low.
How to use Psilocybe Cubensis all in one grow bag?
When you receive your psilocybe cubensis grow bag, it will come with instructions, however, here are some instructions you can expect.
All in one mushroom grow bag instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace:
Ensure that your workspace is clean and well-organized. Wash your hands thoroughly and consider using gloves to minimize the risk of contamination.
Step 2: Inoculate the Grow Bag:
- Start by sterilizing the needle of your spore syringe or liquid culture syringe with a flame. Allow it to cool for a few seconds.
- Shake or stir the spore syringe to distribute spores evenly.
- Insert the needle through the self-sealing injection port of the grow bag.
- Inject the spore solution into the substrate material inside the bag. Aim to distribute the spores as evenly as possible.
- Seal the injection port with a piece of medical tape or a sterile filter patch.
Step 3: Incubate the Bag:
Place the inoculated grow bag in a clean and warm location with temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C). This is the optimal temperature range for Psilocybe cubensis mycelium growth.
The mycelium will start to colonize the substrate, and you should see white mycelial growth spreading throughout the bag. This process can take several weeks, so be patient.
Step 4: Mix the Grain with the Substrate:
Once about 90% of the grain is colonized by mycelium, mix the grains evenly with the substrate. Once this is done, re-incubate the bag for 1 week.
Step 5: Initiate Fruiting
Once the grow bag is fully colonized with mycelium (it should appear as a solid white mass), it’s time to initiate fruiting. This typically takes 4-6 weeks after inoculation.
To induce fruiting, expose the bag to indirect light or natural daylight for about 12 hours a day. Avoid direct sunlight.
Adjust the temperature to the lower end of the range (around 75°F or 24°C).
To ensure proper fresh air exchange, open the grow bag or provide a way for fresh air to circulate. You can achieve this by:
- Gently folding down the top of the grow bag a few inches to create an opening for air exchange while still maintaining a microclimate.
- Using a sterile scalpel or knife, cut a few small, triangular-shaped holes near the top of the bag and cover them with micropore tape.
Fresh air exchange is essential to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by mushroom growth and replace it with oxygen (O2), which is necessary for mushroom development.
Within a week or two, small mushroom pins should begin to form on the surface of the substrate.
Step 6: Harvest Your Mushrooms:
As the mushrooms grow, they will mature and become ready for harvest. Harvest them by gently twisting and pulling them from the substrate.
Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base if they are difficult to twist off.
Harvest mushrooms when the veil underneath the cap starts to tear away from the stem. This indicates peak potency and quality.
Step 7: Repeat or Dispose of the Bag:
Some all-in-one grow bags are designed for multiple flushes of mushrooms. If your bag is suitable, you can repeat the fruiting process by re-initiating fruiting conditions after harvesting.
For this purpose, it may be necessary to soak the mycelium block in distilled water for 24 hours before putting it back into fruiting conditions.
This is how to grow cubensis in a bag. Now let’s see how to make your own all in one grow bag for mushrooms.
How to Make an All in One Mushroom Grow Bag?
Materials You Will Need:
- Polypropylene Grow Bag: You can purchase pre-made mushroom grow bags or make your own using polypropylene filter patch bags.
- Grain Spawn: Use untreated grains (rye, rice, oats) as your grain spawn.
- Bulk Substrate: Prepare your bulk substrate mixture, typically consisting of 50% coconut coir, 45% vermiculite, and 5% gypsum. You can adjust the recipe based on your specific mushroom species’ requirements.
- Pressure Cooker: To sterilize the grow bag and contents.
- Clean Workspace: Ensure a clean and sterile environment to minimize the risk of contamination.
Steps to Create a Cubensis Mushroom Grow Bag:
- Fill the Grow Bag with Grain Spawn: Open the polypropylene grow bag and add the selected grain to the bottom of the bag. Leave enough space at the top of the bag for the substrate. This will serve as the initial nutrient source for the mycelium.
- Add Bulk Substrate Above the Grain: Add your prepared bulk substrate mixture on top of the grain inside the grow bag until you fill the bag around 50%. Make sure the substrate covers the grain completely. You should use around 2 parts of substrate per 1 part of grain.
- Add a filter patch: You can cut a small hole on the bag to put a 0.2 micron filter patch. Micropore tape can serve this purpose as well.
- Seal the Bag: Fold the excess plastic of the bag to remove the air, and then seal it with a heat sealer. This will ensure the bag is completely sealed to prevent any contamination.
- Sterilize the Bag: Place the sealed grow bag in a pressure cooker. Sterilize it at 15 psi for about two hours to kill any potential contaminants.
- Cool and Inoculate: Allow the pressure cooker to cool down completely. Once it’s at room temperature, you can take out the bag and inoculate it following the instructions we see above.
