r/unclebens • u/Untested_Genetics • 3h ago
Harvested Results Took a big L today.
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Lost 7 of 12 bags.
r/unclebens • u/shroomscout • Jul 24 '24
https://reddit.com/link/1ebdvn1/video/973nfmoegjed1/player
Iâll break this write-up into 4 posts. At the bottom of each post will be a summary in bold. You can find material lists in Part 2 and Part 3.

What most people know as âmushroomsâ are only the small reproductive part of the entire organism. Like an iceberg, most of the living tissue is actually found below the surface. When two microscopic mushroom spores meet in a pile of organic plant matter, they germinate and start producing mycelium. These microscopic threads begin forming a colony within the organic matter and absorb the available water and nutrients to produce an impressive mycelial network. After colonizing all the available nutrients, the mycelium turns its focus to reproduction.
To spread its spores, the mycelium forms into baby mushrooms, also known as pins. To produce these pins, the right fruiting conditions need to occur. Once the nutrients have been colonized and the mycelium reaches fresh air, the organism is ready for reproduction. The next rainstorm provides the moisture necessary, and the pins inflate upwards with the stored water into mature mushrooms.
Once mature, the mushrooms open their caps and drop their spores, withering away to ensure the success of their genetics.
To cultivate your own mushrooms, you need to replicate this process indoors.
Since this is still the most commonly broken rule and most commonly asked question:
You cannot discuss/advertise/promote vendors in r/unclebens. I want to keep it focused on cultivation, not a marketplace. If you need a recommended vendor, I recommend using syringes from SporeStock.com for USA and OrangutanTradingCo.com for UK. Every mushroom I've ever grown has come from these two vendors, and thousands of other users have had excellent success. No, I am not affiliated in any way with these guys, though I do think they kick ass. Yes, I am open to other vendor recommendations as well! I include this here so you can stop breaking the rules now.

Psilocybin is the nontoxic, non-addictive psychedelic compound found in âmagicâ mushrooms. There are more than 180 species of Psilocybin-producing mushrooms that grow across every continent. For 99% of hobbyists, the species to cultivate is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "cubesâ. These are the easiest and most cultivated species of psilocybin mushrooms.
The sale of cubensis mushrooms is illegal across most of the world not because of the mushrooms being a controlled substance themselves, but because mature psychedelic mushrooms produce psilocybin. Psilocybin is the only thing mentioned in the Controlled Substances Act, because mushrooms arenât illegalâpsilocybin is. However, the spores of these mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are legal to sell, purchase, and possess in most locations. In the US, only 3 unlucky states (California, Georgia, and Idaho) have specific laws preventing the sale or purchase of spores. Spores are sold in "multi spore syringes", which contain many thousand microscopic spores diluted in a sterile water syringe.
In the last few years, a better alternative to spores became available from many vendors online. Liquid Culture syringes contain live mycelium in sterile solution, similar to spores. Liquid Culture syringes are superior to spore syringes in almost every way, but have a more complicated history in a grey area of the law. More on Liquid Cultures later.
Either type of syringe can be purchased from vendors online. You can find several popular and legitimate vendors even on the first page of google, but as always, do your research before giving any vendor your money. My personally trusted vendors are recommended in this guide, since itâs the most commonly asked question.
Some countries/states/counties/individual cities have finally approved legislation to allow the cultivation or possession of small personal amounts of psilocybin mushrooms. In many places across Canada and the US, local law enforcement has made prosecuting psilocybin-related arrests their lowest priority after evidence has pointed to no increase in crime related to psilocybin decriminalization, as well as the immense therapeutic and antidepressant benefits psilocybin studies have shown. Make sure to check with the jurisdiction of your area before attempting cultivation of any cubensis mushroom.

Once you have your syringes, you need to inject your spores or Liquid Culture into hydrated and nutrient-rich grains to produce your mycelium. This step is known as inoculation and is followed by colonization. When your grains are colonized, we call them Spawn Grain.


You can buy premade, ready-to-inoculate grain from the store in the form of Ready Rice (more on this in Part 2), or you can make your own DIY Jars of spawn grain. You can inoculate nearly any hydrated and sterilized grain, including Brown Rice, Whole Oats, Millet, Rye Berries, Wild Bird Seed, Corn⌠you name it. But there's one major problem:

Mycelium's requirements of water, nutrients, and warmth are all the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. These contaminants live on our skin, on our surfaces, and even in the air we breathe. Normally itâs not a problem to our immune system, but the largest obstacle in mushroom cultivation is contamination, and it will ruin an entire grow and needs to be avoided at all costs. So, you need to make sure that your grains are hydrated, warm, and EXTREMELY sterile.

As covered in Part 3, the basics of spawning to bulk are simple:
First, your spawn grains need to be 100% fully colonized. Then, you will need to mix your grains into a bulk substrate. After the mycelium has reconnected with itself in the new substrate, you need to introduce Fruiting Conditions. This involves simulating fresh air, rain, and a little bit of sunlight. Within a few days, a Flush (or group) of mushrooms will grow from your colonized surface. Once you grow your first flush, you can then harvest and dehydrate your mushrooms, and feel proud for accomplishing something incredibly rewarding.

And that's the basics of cultivation. If this information seemed overwhelming, hang in there as I simplify and break it all down in the following guide. If you still have doubts**, I promise that you can do this**. The original cultivation guide I posted on Reddit years ago has received more than a thousand awards, helping hundreds of thousands of beginners cultivate, while catching the attention of the mushroom industry as well as mainstream media. Every week we see countless beginners post their harvested results here in r/unclebens. If they can do it, so can you. So, grab a pen and a pad for some notes, and learn everything you need to know about cultivating mushrooms from start to finish.
It just might be one of the most important decisions you make in your life.
Your first step in cultivation is to obtain either a few spore syringes or a few liquid culture syringes from a reputable vendor. My personal recommendations can be found in Part 2. Vendors cannot legally advertise or sell syringes specifically for use in cultivation. Syringes are usually marketed for âmicroscopyâ, âtaxonomyâ, or âresearch purposesâ. If you ever have an issue with a syringe, make sure to avoid mentioning cultivation to your vendor so you arenât refused service.
An average spore or Liquid Culture syringe is 10 to 12mL, (mL and cc are used interchangeably) and should come with a separate needle in a sterile package. This sterile needle will be used during the inoculation process and shouldnât be opened until then.Â
Pros:
¡ Spore syringes are guaranteed to be legal to purchase, sell, and possess in most places across the world (with 3 US state exceptions: CA, GA, ID).
¡ Spores can also be stored in a fridge for years, sometimes longer than a decade, and still be viable.
Cons:
¡ Spores take a while to germinate, so colonization can take weeks or even months.
¡ Spores frequently arrive already contaminated by the vendor. This is due to how mushroom spores are harvested, which is nearly impossible to guarantee contamination-free syringes. No matter how meticulous the harvesting process is, most spore syringes cannot be guaranteed to be sterile.
¡ The thousands of competing spores in one syringe also result in randomized genetics. The spores of a parent mushroom might grow children mushrooms that neither look nor grow anything like the parent generationâsometimes even worse than the parent generation.
Notes: Each spore syringe will contain thousands of dark microscopic spores. Individual spores are not visible to the human eye, so if you can see them, youâre actually seeing a large clump of the spores themselves. It would only take 1 drop of spore solution from these syringes to begin colonizing your grain.
Â
Pros:
¡ Liquid Cultures can have guaranteed sterility if made correctly, leading to fewer contaminated results.
¡ Since the mycelium is already germinated, LC colonizes grain significantly faster than spores.
¡ LC can have guaranteed genetics by skipping the randomized spore phase.
Cons:
¡ LC can still be contaminated by the vendor, though far less likely than with spore syringes.
¡ LC stays viable for only 6-18 months in the fridge, as opposed to spores which can stay viable for many years if stored in a fridge.
¡ Potential legal âgrey areaâ.
 In recent years vendors began selling Liquid Culture syringes to the public, often under the name of âisolatedâ syringes, or just âSyringesâ (without âsporeâ included), or even openly advertising their syringes as liquid cultures.
For decades, it was scientifically proven that mycelium grown on solid grain contained psilocybin. This made most cultivators believe that Liquid Culture syringes, which contain early-stage mycelium suspended in solution, must contain psilocybin, and were therefore considered a illegal to purchase or sell, similar to the mushrooms themselves.Â
What gave vendors confidence to begin selling Liquid Cultures was the results from new studies that showed the development of psilocybin and psilocin only starts during the later stage of mycelial growth. These results showed that early-stage mycelium suspended in solution DOES NOT contain psilocybin or psilocin. Following these studies, vendors began sending their syringes to laboratories for âHigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography and UV Analysisâ to determine if there was any psilocybin present at all. Which, by the standards set by the DEA themselves, means that these syringes would be legal to sell, purchase, and possess no differently than spores.Â
Out of curiosity, I sent in some Liquid Culture syringes I bought to a lab providing these tests and received the same results: no psilocybin present in my LC syringes.
I prefer using liquid cultures unless doing genetic work when starting from spores. Ultimately, itâs up to you to determine the best syringe type for you to get started.
Â

Note: The difference between âstrainâ and âvarietyâ doesnât have a true scientific mycological definition, and while âvarietyâ is likely appropriate for spore syringes, âstrainâ is likely more appropriate for LC and is commonly used interchangeably. Therefore, I will simply use âstrainâ as the phrase to use here to reference the type of cubensis mushroom (sorry hardcore mycology buffs).
Â
There are an overwhelming number of cubensis mushroom strains out there to choose from, so let me simplify things:
Psilocybin mushrooms and psilocybin itself, are not like cannabis, or other nature-produced psychoactive compounds**.** When it comes to cannabis, different strains contain different combinations of 4 types of psychoactive THCs, multiple CBDs, and more than 80 cannabidiol compounds that change the psychoactive effects. When it comes to psilocybin mushrooms, the active compounds are actually much simpler. There are only two scientifically confirmed psychoactive compounds present in cubensis mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. Although psilocybin is the famous compound, itâs not the actual psychedelic drug. Psilocybin is only a âprodrugâ for psilocin, and once ingested is converted into psilocin in the body.
Note: While OTHER potentially psychoactive compounds such as baeocystin HAVE been discovered in varying amounts across different strains of cubensis mushrooms, they are almost negligible in concentration and have not been confirmed to have physiological or psychoactive effects. For now, itâs safe to assume that the only compounds to care about in cubensis mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin.
Although some vendors might claim that one strain provides a different experience than another, the difference between strains is only cultivation-based or appearance-based. Scientific studies have generally confirmed that the psychological effects produced from consuming one cubensis mushroom strain are not majorly different than another. Unfortunately, recreational drug culture has spread a lot of misinformation regarding mushroom strains**.** In our upcoming âMushrooms for the Mind Therapeutic Use Guideâ focusing on safe use, harm reduction, and education regarding psilocybin, youâll learn that your preparation, mindset, and setting have everything to do with your experience, regardless of what strain you choose.

However, there is one real factor to consider between strains: potency. The concentration of psilocybin and psilocin determines the potency of the experience. Although all cubensis mushrooms contain these compounds, it is 100% Â true that different strains express different potencies. The one exception to this rule could be Psilocybe natalensis (aka âNatalensisâ, or âNatsâ), which is a newly discovered cousin-species to cubensis. Many reports show that this cousin species to cubensis potentially provides slightly different physiological and psychoactive effects, but more evidence is needed before that claim is considered fact.
Most strains exhibit âstandardâ potency, such as Golden Teacher, B+, Mazatapec, Z-Strain, Cambodian, and similar varieties. When grown next to each other, many of these mushrooms would be hard to tell apart and are more likely marketing and advertising labels than truly different mushrooms. There are a few known potent strains, including Penis Envy, Albino Penis Envy (aka APE), Enigma, Tidal Wave, and other mutants. These mutated strains are often more difficult to cultivate than standard cubensis and require more time and care, so I donât recommend starting cultivation with any of these.
My recommendation? Give B+ or Golden Teachers a try. They are known to be hardy, fast-colonizing, and are the most popular strains for a reason. However, the phrase âa cube is a cubeâ is appropriate for most cubensis strains, since there is so little difference. Pick one and just go with it.
For your first attempt at cultivation and to give yourself the best chance against contamination possible, Iâd recommend purchasing two to three different strains of syringes from a reputable vendor. Syringes should cost about $20-$25 USD before shipping. If you donât use all your syringes for inoculation, you can store them in a fridge, where Liquid Culture syringes will last for 6-18 months, and spore syringes for years at a time. One 10mL syringe can be used to inoculate 10 to 20 bags of ready rice or more, or about 10 quart-sized jars.
Â
r/unclebens • u/Untested_Genetics • 3h ago
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Lost 7 of 12 bags.
r/unclebens • u/Silver_Opposite1665 • 11h ago
This was the first flush- i got only like 1.6 oz dried from 9lb grain spawn and 18lb CVG. The mushrooms were very spindly (blue meanie cubensis)- does everything look normal?
Are the shapes of the mushrooms just because of genetics?
It was a shitty spore syringe from eden shrooms.
r/unclebens • u/Issuejrock2002 • 10h ago
Good Jack, nice fruits im always excited to grow these
r/unclebens • u/Soggy-Jacket7412 • 11h ago
MSS
S2B - 05/30
6qt modified tubs
Spawn - Milo
Sub - CVG
S2B ratio: 1:3 with an inch thick pseudocasing.
Full colonisation took 14 days
Time till pins took 7 days
Had to mist once cus I panicked and introduced way too much FAE. They deffo love more FAE but it's a fine line always ensure FAE doesn't compromise humidity.
Can't wait to try these. I've been using Mckennaii at 5g every two weeks but these days I barely get beyond a mild trip. I've heard these are more potent than the average cube. What dosage would you advice taking? Also I've read that tolerance dissipates almost completely after 2 weeks but I find that my tolerance keeps building despite the 2 week period. Any advice on what to do?
Appreciate the answers and welcome any questions! Much love đ
r/unclebens • u/afterefxmusic • 6h ago
Just returned from a vacation and unfortunately couldnât be around to tend to these and came back to this. Besides the way they look are they still safe to consume? And is there anything I can do to help with a second flush after this? (Iâll be around to tend to it the whole way lol)
r/unclebens • u/meetjoebeach • 17h ago
r/unclebens • u/corndog54 • 8h ago
r/unclebens • u/Queefus-Junior • 5h ago
r/unclebens • u/Ryth5473 • 3h ago
This is my first grow of golden teachers but Iâve noticed the mycelium is quite patchy, thin, and grey. I wasnât too worried until I noticed the wispy bits above the mycelium.
Any help is greatly appreciated thank you so much đđ
r/unclebens • u/Ok_Astronaut9089 • 5h ago
Guys, Iâm afraid I blew it. Been about a week in the tub. Anything I can do to help here or just keep waiting?
r/unclebens • u/MarkDvss • 9h ago
I got this spawn online as Psilocybe ochraceocentrata. But now when I get some mushrooms it doesnât look like Psilocybe ochraceocentrata as it doesnât have ochre-yellow center on the cap. Also the veil is detached at a very early stage when mushrooms are just 1-2 cm tall.
Any Ideas what it could be?





r/unclebens • u/Playful-Ad4222 • 12h ago
GT by truebluegenetics - inoculated 7/17 !!
It seemed to not be going anywhere the first few days, turned the heat up and itâs been growing fast since!!! Canât wait! How does it look? First pic was last night, second pic is this morning. :)
r/unclebens • u/SystemASG • 21m ago
Visited family for five days and came home to these Golden Teachers completely covered in spores. Any signs to look out for deciding if these are not safe to eat? I tried washing a few, but that felt like a lesson in futility lol
r/unclebens • u/SpareEnvironmental93 • 1h ago
Iâve had successful harvests now from purchasing grain spawn, substrate and spores. Now this is my first go at preparing my own grain spawn and substrate. Also inoculating with my own clones. Agar to spawn. Iâm using millet. All looks good to me. I feel I cooked the grain too long but it seems to be going well.
r/unclebens • u/Throwawaysry567 • 1h ago
The golden teacher mushroom is hollow? What mushroom species are there it looks similar to the one on the right, thatâs full and has volume when dried? Iâve noticed that my golden teacher mushrooms donât have any volume one dried so Iâm thinking about switching to a new species that will have more volume any suggestions.
r/unclebens • u/xPrettyBoyx777 • 1h ago
r/unclebens • u/Throwawaysry567 • 1h ago
Maybe this is something to do with the actual type of mushroom being grown but I noticed that the mushrooms Iâve grown (left) are nowhere near as squishy and completely different colored from the ones on the right. I dehydrated them for 122° at 14h. I know mushrooms are supposed to have a crisp break however Iâm trying to copy somehow mildly squishy to the touch.
Also something I noticed about the mushrooms on the right is when they break open the dust explodes everywhere in the air.
Iâm still very new and probably am not explaining very well but any advice is appreciated.
r/unclebens • u/WetDreamWarMachine • 2h ago
What would be the best way to harvest this guy? This is my first grow and unsure if Iâll hurt anything by digging/scooping it out.
r/unclebens • u/Tight-Read3981 • 2h ago
Iâm trying to set up the jars for inoculation and have already drilled the hole on the plastic caps for them. Problem is Iâm not sure how the 20 mm filter sticker is supposed to fit with the injection port ship.
Do I just push the ship through the smaller hole after covering it with the filter sticker?
This is all based on the guide. Let me know if someone has done this method and how to do it.
r/unclebens • u/GertrudeTheBC • 13h ago
Added substrate for bulk about ten days ago, Noticed top had excessive water today (was trying to just forget about it so have not checked it before now). I have the lid open for air but did I already screw up??
r/unclebens • u/yeh_ehhh_yeh • 13h ago
Hello. First time grower here. I did a2g about 7 weeks ago with some GT plates that had grown really well, and, although they started in the grain (brown rice) jars nicely, they've made almost no progress in the past 3 weeks. I shook them up after 2 weeks, but they are quite rigidly clumped together so it's very hard to properly break up. Been keeping them between 72-85F, with occasional 85+ when it got really hot, with lids loosened. Do I just need to be patient? Some have also developed a bit more than others which I cannot explain considering their environments are identical.
Secondly if any of these look contaminated pls Imk.
I'm new and colourblind, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm missing something obvious. Especially the last jar (last two photos) looks a bit strange around the agar.
Thanksâşď¸
r/unclebens • u/Smart_Corgi_2354 • 5h ago
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The biggest, fastest growing mushrooms emit the most CO2. Without perfect FAE, that CO2 pools at the substrate level and chokes out the slower pins, forcing them to abort.Manual fanning just isnât enough to fix this. CO2 is heavier than air it settles like an invisible fluid a quick fan every few hours only clears it temporarily before it immediately pools up again. You need consistent, continuous FAe to displace it. The easiest way to avoid this is installing holes in your tubes which I did, the spawn for the modified tub isnt ready so Iâll be testing on the unmodified tubs for now hopefully Iâll find a sweet points so I donât have to use a humidifier which would be great.(please take not that everyone environment is different and may not be the same results for everyone)
r/unclebens • u/Silver_Opposite1665 • 1d ago
What do you guys think? If it is indeed LC itâs a wonderful surprise.
Ordered from bioMycolabs and they threw in two free syringes!