Glossary

Agar is a natural polysaccharide extracted from red algae (primarily Gelidium and Gracilaria species). Chemically, it’s composed of agarose and agaropectin. When dissolved in hot water and then cooled, agar forms a firm, translucent gel that remains stable at typical incubation temperatures. Unlike gelatin (which melts around body temperature), agar stays solid up to about 85 °C—making it ideal for culturing heat‑sensitive organisms.

Mason-jar lid modification using Poly-Fil and RTV silicone to maintain sterility during syringe injections.

Any practice that keeps unwanted microbes out of your culture (e.g., flame-sterilizing needles, working in a still-air box).

Liquid culture with both nutrients and simple sugars, promoting faster growth without over-thickening.

Any competing mold, yeast, or bacteria that can hijack a culture or grain jar.

A common PF-Tek substrate mix made of brown rice flour and vermiculite; supports steady mycelial colonization.

Fibrous material from coconut husks used as a substrate component; retains moisture well and resists compaction.

The period where mycelium spreads through a substrate before fruiting can occur.

A living sample of a mushroom’s mycelium kept on agar or in liquid. (All of our “spore” products are actually liquid cultures.)

A water extract made by simmering fungal material; common in gourmet/medicinal prep.

Slang for a grow method or setup that’s “sterile-ish” and simple enough for beginners.

A wave of mushrooms that fruit at roughly the same time; multiple flushes are possible from one substrate block.

The visible “mushroom” that forms to release spores—what growers ultimately want.

In mushroom cultivation, germination refers to the initial stage of fungal spore development where dormant spores begin active growth by producing germ tubes that eventually develop into hyphal threads, marking the transition from reproductive spore to vegetative mycelium.

Culinary species such as Lion’s Mane or Oyster; shipped as liquid cultures ready for research or home growing.

Sterilized grain fully colonized with mycelium; the bridge between lab work and bulk substrate grows.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter trapping ≥99.97 % of particles ≥0.3 µm; cornerstone of laminar-flow hoods.

Introducing mycelium or spores to a fresh growth medium (agar, liquid, grain).

A single genetic line derived from one spore germination; prized for consistency.

A fan + HEPA box that blows a curtain of sterile air toward your work area.

Sterile sugar water hosting actively growing mycelium; faster than starting from spores.

Psilocybe cubensis genetics sold for microscopy only; no psilocybin is present in the spore stage.

Slang for microscope, used to examine spores and mycelium under magnification.

Microscopic analysis in mushroom cultivation is the practice of examining tiny structures like spores, mycelium, and contaminating organisms under magnification to ensure healthy growth, identify problems, and maintain sterile conditions throughout the growing process.

A DIY fruiting chamber: opaque tub + filtered air ports, ideal for bulk substrate grows.

Slang for pressure cooker, used to sterilize jars and substrates at high pressure.

A common agar-based growth medium used for isolating and studying fungi.

Slang for a potent P. cubensis strain prized for its high potency.

Slang for peat moss, used in casing layers to maintain moisture and structure.

Slang referring to PF-Tek, a beginner-friendly grow method using brown rice flour jars.

Beginner-friendly grow method using brown-rice-flour jars; nearly foolproof if you keep clean.

Potential of hydrogen; measure of acidity or alkalinity of your substrate or casing.

The physical expression of a genetic line (cap color, size, yield).

Pounds per square inch; the pressure level during your PC cycle.

Relative humidity; the moisture level inside your fruiting chamber.

Slang for a legendary forum contributor and contaminant expert in online mycology communities.

The process of transferring colonized grain spawn to a larger bulk substrate.

Slang for a mini fruiting chamber technique using modified plastic containers.

A simple fruiting setup made with a plastic container and drilled holes stuffed with polyfil.

The timeframe (6 months refrigerated, for our liquid cultures) during which a liquid culture remains viable before germination rates drop.

Agar poured on a sloped test-tube surface for long-term culture storage and isolation.

General term for colonized grain (rye, oats, etc.) used to inoculate bulk substrates.

A sheet or foil with spores dropped from a mature cap; old-school way to store genetics.

Slang for multi-spore syringes loaded with spores for inoculation.

A low-cost glovebox alternative for aseptic work to reduce contamination risk.

Slang for substrate, the food source a mushroom digests (e.g., coconut coir, sawdust, straw).

The food source a mushroom digests (e.g., coconut coir, sawdust, straw).

Cotton swab with spores used for inoculation or transferring spores to agar.

Slang for technique or technical knowledge around growing mushrooms.

Tidal Wave is a potent hybrid strain of Psilocybe cubensis created by crossing two legendary psychedelic mushroom varieties: Penis Envy… Read More

A clone taken directly from a fresh fruiting body to capture that exact genetic profile.

Slang for Trichoderma, a common green mold contamination in mushroom cultures.

TW2 is a term in mycology that refers to a specific genetic isolate from the Tidal Wave lineage of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. It is most notably recognized as the original isolate from which the famous Enigma mutation originated. This Enigma phenotype is unique because it does not produce spores and can only be propagated through tissue cloning. While TW2 and Enigma are not strictly identical, the names have become interchangeable in the mushroom community, both describing the same blob-like, potent, and sporeless mutation derived from the Tidal Wave strain.

Slang for wild bird seed or rice-based grain spawn commonly used by beginners.

Slang for vermiculite; a substrate amendment that retains moisture and creates air pockets.

Slang for Verticillium, the fungal agent causing dry bubble disease in mushroom grows.

How likely spores or cultures are to germinate; declines with heat and time—store in the fridge.

Synonym for flush; a batch of mushrooms fruiting simultaneously.

Slang for whole grain brown rice spawn used as an alternative to rye or oats.

Slang for wild bird seed spawn used as a grain substrate.

The process of reviving a culture from long-term cold storage to active growth.

A popular strain of P. cubensis known for its vigor and reliability in home cultures.