Liquid cultures

What is mycelium?

Mycelium (also known as mycelium, mycelium) is the vegetative part of a fungus. It is a tangle of fine, threadlike structures called hyphae that grow in soil, wood, or other organic materials. Although the mycelium is often invisible to the naked eye, it is the true core of the fungal organism and is essential for successful mushroom cultivation.

Mycelium functions similarly to the root system of plants:

breaks down organic matter,

absorbs nutrients,

creates symbioses with plants (e.g. in the forest),

ensures reproduction.

Mycelium in practice

In mushroom cultivation, the term mycelium is associated with the so-called inoculum materials – i.e. ways to “plant” the mushroom into a prepared substrate. The most common form of mycelium is a liquid mycelium culture. It is a living mycelium in a liquid nutrient solution, which is very fast in colonizing the substrate. For faster growth of mushroom seedlings, a grow lamp is used that simulates natural light. This is necessary for the proper development of mushrooms. The grow lamp thus provides the optimal light spectrum and the correct intensity, which helps stimulate the formation of fruiting bodies and accelerates their maturation.

A grow tent is often used when growing mushroom seedlings, which helps create optimal conditions for the growth of mycelium and fruiting bodies, such as appropriate temperature, humidity, and air circulation.

Liquid cultures

The most common mushroom seedlings are in the form of liquid mycelium. Liquid mycelium is a form of mycelium that is dispersed in a nutrient solution, most often based on sterile water with the addition of sugar or other nutrients. These mushroom seedlings contain living fungal filaments (hyphae) that multiply in the liquid, and are ready for inoculation of the substrate.

Advantages of liquid mycelium:

Rapid colonization – thanks to its liquid form, the mycelium disperses easily and evenly into the substrate, accelerating its overgrowth.

High yield – multiple containers or substrate blocks can be inoculated from a single batch.

Easy to use – comes in a sterile syringe, allowing for precise application.

Long shelf life – if stored properly (in the refrigerator), it will retain its vitality for up to a year.

When and how is liquid mycelium used?

Liquid mycelium is used especially in the beginning stages of mushroom cultivation, when the grower wants to establish a new culture on a sterile substrate. Thanks to its liquid form, mushroom seedlings allow for quick and even inoculation, which accelerates the overgrowth of the substrate with mycelium and the subsequent growth of fruiting bodies. If you are a beginner grower, a mushroom cultivation kit, which you can find with us, will be beneficial for you.

When using liquid mycelium, it is crucial to maintain sterility. Both the substrate and the working environment must be clean and sterile. The substrate is prepared by sterilization, most often by boiling, steaming or in a pressure cooker. The liquid mycelium is applied using a sterile syringe directly into the substrate. After inoculation, the substrate is kept at a suitable temperature that supports the growth of the mycelium, and its overgrowth is gradually monitored.

If you are interested in growing mushrooms at home, don't hesitate! Go for it, and you will get fresh and healthy mushrooms right from your home.