Navigating the art of cultivating Golden Teacher Mycelium requires a harmonious balance of environmental factors. This article discusses the quintessential aspects of the optimal growing environment, particularly the crucial role of temperature. You’ll gain insight into the intricate details of Mycelium cultivation, equipping you with the knowledge to create a thriving environment for this particular strain.
Understanding Golden Teacher Mycelium
Definition
Golden Teacher Mycelium refers to vegetative, thread-like structures that create a network among Golden Teacher mushrooms. These fungi, which belong to the Psilocybe cubensis species, are well-known for their high psilocybin and psilocin contents and their distinct golden-coloured caps.
Origin and History
The Golden Teacher mushroom is believed to have been discovered in the late 1980s. While its precise origin is unknown, it has become one of the most popular strains among cultivators and users due to its potent effects and relative ease of cultivation. Its name comes from the golden hue of its caps and the profound insights and experiences many users assert it provides, thus acting as a “teacher.”
Cultivation and Uses
Cultivating Golden Teacher mycelium requires specific environmental conditions, including temperature, light, substrate, humidity, and gas levels. As a potent psychotropic fungus, the Golden Teacher is often used recreationally for its euphoric and psychedelic effects. It’s also used in microdosing regimes, alternative therapy treatments, and psychological studies due to its potential capacity to aid in personal growth and mental health conditions.
Golden Teacher Mycelium Temperature Requirements
Ideal Temperatures for Growth
The ideal temperature range that facilitates optimal Golden Teacher mycelium growth is between 75-81 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius). Temperatures within this range promote fast and healthy mycelium growth, ensuring a prosperous yield.
Effects of Temperature Variations
When the temperature exceeds or drops below the ideal range, it can adversely impact the Golden Teacher mycelium’s growth rate. High temperatures may expose the mycelium to potential contamination, while low temperatures can inhibit growth or even cause the entire growth process to halt.
Light Requirements for Golden Teacher Mycelium
Amount of Light Required
While Golden Teacher mycelium doesn’t demand a significant amount of light, maintaining a consistent light exposure helps. As a rule of thumb, a few hours of indirect sunlight or a soft artificial light per day are sufficient for its growth.
Ideal Light Conditions
You should aim to replicate the light conditions of a cloudy day that isn’t too bright nor too dim. This involves avoiding direct sunlight as this may be too intense and consequently damaging. A subtle, evenly diffused, artificial or natural light would be the best bet.
Suitable Substrate for Golden Teacher Mycelium
Most Effective Substrates
Golden Teacher mycelium thrive in organic-rich substrate. You can choose between brown rice flour, vermiculite, or a combination of the two. Other substrates including straw, dung, and coconut coir have also shown to be effective.
Preparing the Substrate
The substrate must be sterilized to eliminate any potential contaminants before introducing the Golden Teacher mycelium spores. It’s then inoculated with the spore solution, placed in a growing jar or bag, and stored in a warm, dark place to encourage growth.
Water and Humidity Conditions for Golden Teacher Mycelium
Necessary Humidity Levels
Golden Teacher mycelium requires high humidity levels ranging around 80-90% for an effective, healthy spread. However, during the fruiting stage, it might need a slightly lower humidity level around 75%.
Watering and Mist Humidification
A regular misting routine using a spray bottle can help maintain necessary humidity levels, especially during the fruiting phase. However, be cautious not to saturate your mycelium, as overly soggy conditions can lead to contamination.
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Levels
Importance of Oxygen
Fresh air exchange (FAE) is crucial for Golden Teacher mycelium as it requires oxygen to thrive. The introduction of fresh air helps replace carbon dioxide emitted by the growing mycelium, enhancing its growth and decreasing the probability of contamination.
Role of Carbon Dioxide in Growth
While oxygen is essential, carbon dioxide also plays an integral role in the growth process. Higher carbon dioxide levels encourage vegetative growth, promoting mycelium spread before the fruiting stage. However, too much may halt the growth process and invite contamination.
Handling Contamination Issues
Common Contaminants
Common contaminants include bacteria, molds, yeasts and other species of fungi. Signs of contamination include foul smells, changed appearance of the mycelium or substrate, and the presence of different color molds.
How to Control and Prevent Contamination
Keeping a sterile environment can help prevent contamination. Sterilize tools, substrates, and your hands before handling mycelium. In case of visible contamination, it’s best to discard the contaminated material immediately to prevent spread.
Preparing and Using a Mycelium Inoculum
Creating a Mycelium Inoculum
To create a substrate inoculum, you’ll need a spore print or spore syringe of Golden Teacher. Mix the spores with sterile water in a syringe to create a spore solution, then inject it into your sterile substrate.
Inoculating the Substrate
Through the injection ports, distribute the spore solution evenly across the substrate. The inoculated substrate is then stored in a dark, warm space, where it will incubate for several weeks while the mycelium colonizes it.
Fruiting Conditions for Golden Teacher
Inducing the Fruiting Stage
Once your substrate is fully colonized by mycelium, it’s time to trigger the fruiting stage. You can induce fruiting by adjusting light, temperature, and humidity conditions, and increasing fresh air circulation.
Maintaining Fruiting Conditions
Maintain optimum conditions through consistent monitoring and adjustments. This includes preserving moisture without over-saturating the substrate, initiating regular fresh air exchanges, and providing a steady source of indirect light.
Harvesting and Storage of Golden Teacher Mushrooms
Signs of Maturity for Harvest
The best time to harvest your Golden Teacher mushrooms is just before or as the veils underneath the caps start to tear. They should look plump, and the caps should have a beautiful golden hue.
Best Methods for Storing Mushrooms
After harvesting, ensure Golden Teacher mushrooms are properly dried before storing. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. For long-term storage, vacuum-sealed containers are ideal, while paper bags work for short-term storage. You can also store dried mushrooms in airtight containers with desiccants to absorb any residual moisture.