Ella Walter
Growing Pan Cyans (Panaeolus cyanescens) is considered a challenging endeavour, requiring careful attention to various factors. While some find success with bare-bones setups, others opt for more elaborate arrangements. The key to success lies in providing optimal conditions for the mycelium to thrive. This includes maintaining an incubation temperature of around 80°F (26.7°C), ensuring high humidity levels of 70-80%, and working with sterile equipment and quality spores. Pans are typically grown on manure or dung, and while casing is not mandatory, a thin layer can enhance growth. The fragility of the Pan cyan mycelium demands a gentle approach, and the delivery of ideal conditions is crucial for a successful harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Not very hard, but requires strict guidelines |
| Growing medium | Manure, vermiculite, peat, lime, oyster shell mix, pasteurized straw or dung |
| Temperature | 70°F-75°F, but can grow at temperatures up to 93°F |
| Humidity | 70-80% |
| Casing | Not required, but can be done thinly with composted manure |
| Shaking | Should be done gently, only when necessary |
| Sterilization | Critical to prevent contamination |
| Spawn | Requires attention and patience during this stage |
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What You'll Learn
Pan Cyans are more fragile than cubensis and shouldn't be shaken
Pan Cyans (Panaeolus cyanescens) are considered more fragile and harder to grow than Cubensis (Psilocybe cubensis). One key difference is that Pan Cyans need a lot of fresh air exchange while maintaining high humidity levels, which Cubensis does not require to the same extent. This means that the growing conditions for Pan Cyans need to be more carefully controlled, and a simple deviation from the ideal conditions could result in no harvest at all.
Pan Cyans also need a casing layer when fruiting, whereas with Cubensis, this is optional. Furthermore, Pan Cyans are more vulnerable to contamination and require more attention during the preparation and maintenance of their growing environment. Their mycelium is also more fragile and should not be shaken, unlike the mycelium of Cubensis.
The potency of both mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as their origin, whether they are wild or domesticated, the substrate, and the specific strain. However, some people consider Pan Cyans to be significantly stronger than Cubensis due to their high levels of psilocybin and psilocin, or other active compounds that have yet to be identified.
In terms of their growing environment, Pan Cyans are coprophilous mushrooms, meaning they thrive on animal dung, particularly dung from subtropical climates. They have been found growing on the dung of cattle, elephants, zebras, and rhinos, and can often be found growing alongside Cubensis mushrooms, which are also coprophilous. Pan Cyans have a slightly larger geographic reach than Cubensis, and while they can be found in the same locations, there are also regions where only one species is present.
Overall, while it may not be "hard" to grow Pan Cyans, it does require a deeper understanding of the variables that affect their growth compared to Cubensis. Their fragility and specific requirements mean that growers need to be more cautious and precise when cultivating them.
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Pans need to be grown on manure to get a good amount of fruit
Pans (Panaeolus cyanescens) are considered more difficult to grow than Psilocybe cubensis, as they are more vulnerable and require more attention during preparation and maintenance. While some people have reported success with bare-bones setups, others have emphasized the importance of creating the ideal conditions for a successful harvest.
When it comes to growing pans, the consensus is that they need to be grown on manure to get a good amount of fruit. This is because pans are dung-loving mushrooms that thrive in the presence of certain nutrients found in manure. Specifically, horse manure is recommended, as it is believed to be preferred by wild pans. However, cow, sheep, chicken, rabbit, and even turtle manure have also been suggested as alternatives.
It is important to use well-composted manure to reduce the risk of contamination and to minimize the strong odour associated with fresh manure. Aged and pasteurized manure should not have a noticeable smell. Additionally, the use of straw or coir can help to dilute the density of the manure and further reduce odour.
The amount of manure used is also important. Too much manure can lead to nutrient runoff and excessive vegetative growth. The ideal ratio for a growing medium might be approximately 50% manure, with the remaining consisting of coir, compost, and other amendments. The exact ratios and amendments may vary depending on the specific growing conditions and the availability of nutrients.
By growing pans on manure, you can provide the necessary nutrients and create an environment that promotes the growth of beneficial organisms, leading to a more successful and abundant fruit yield.
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Pans require high humidity and lots of FAE
Pans are considered more difficult to grow than Psilocybe cubensis because they are more sensitive to their environment. They require high humidity and lots of FAE (fresh air exchange).
One of the challenges of growing Pan Cyans is maintaining the right humidity levels. Pans require high humidity, which can be challenging to achieve without the proper equipment. Some growers use a humidifier to maintain the necessary humidity levels. It is important to note that a cool mist humidifier is not recommended as Pans require a drier climate.
FAE is crucial for successful Pan Cyan growth. They require a constant supply of fresh air, and stagnant air can lead to contamination and affect their growth. Growers can achieve FAE by exchanging the air once or twice per hour or rigging an aquarium pump to blow fresh air into the FC (fruiting chamber). However, it is important to ensure that the incoming air is clean to avoid contamination.
To achieve the necessary humidity and FAE, some growers opt for an automated fruiting chamber. This allows for more precise control of the growing environment, including humidity and FAE levels. Additionally, using an automated system can be beneficial for those who may not have the time to constantly monitor and adjust the growing conditions.
Overall, while growing Pan Cyans can be challenging due to their specific requirements for high humidity and FAE, with the right equipment and attention to detail, it is possible to succeed in cultivating these mushrooms.
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Pans need to be grown in a sterile environment to prevent contamination
Pans, or Panaeolus cyanescens, are not necessarily harder to grow than other mushrooms, but they do require strict adherence to guidelines. One of the most important factors in successfully growing pans is providing a sterile environment to prevent contamination.
Pans are vulnerable to contamination, and any contaminants can hinder mycelium growth and ruin the culture. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain strict sterility protocols throughout the incubation period. This includes working in a sterile environment, using sterile tools, and following sterile techniques when handling the grain jars.
To ensure a sterile environment, it is recommended to use sterile grain jars containing a mixture of rye berries and vermiculite, which provides the necessary nutrients for mycelium growth. These grain jars should be properly sterilized through pressure cooking or autoclaving to eliminate any contaminants. The sterilization process typically involves placing the sealed grain jars in a pressure cooker or autoclave at 15 psi for 90 minutes.
Additionally, when preparing the substrate, it is essential to pasteurize the materials, such as straw or dung, to reduce the risk of introducing contaminants. This can be done by boiling or pressure cooking the substrate to kill any microorganisms that may be present.
By following these steps and maintaining a sterile environment, you can help prevent contamination and create optimal conditions for the successful cultivation of Pan cyanescens.
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Pans require an incubation temperature of 80°F (26.7°C)
Growing Pan cyans requires maintaining an incubation temperature of 80°F (26.7°C) to promote optimal mycelium growth and colonisation. This temperature is higher than the daytime temperature in the tropics, where Pan cyans grow naturally, which can reach 93°F. However, the daytime high in the tropics corresponds to a substrate temperature of 95-96°F, which is higher than the ideal incubation temperature for Pan cyans.
To achieve and maintain the correct incubation temperature, you can use an incubator. Place the inoculated grain jars in an incubator set to 80°F. Incubators provide precise temperature control and help maintain stable conditions, which are crucial for mycelium growth. If you don't have access to an incubator, you can create a temperature-controlled environment using a heating mat or seedling heat mat placed inside an insulated container, such as a cooler, along with a temperature controller. Monitor the temperature regularly with a reliable thermometer to ensure that it remains as close to 80°F as possible.
Minor fluctuations are normal, but try to minimise drastic temperature changes. Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for optimal growth, but it is also important to maintain humidity. Aim for a relative humidity of around 70-80% inside your incubator or controlled environment. You can achieve this by using humidification devices, such as ultrasonic humidifiers, or by placing water reservoirs inside the incubator.
During incubation, the mycelium of Pan cyans will begin to grow and colonise the grain spawn, which typically takes several weeks, depending on factors such as strain vitality and environmental conditions. You'll know that colonisation is occurring when you start to see white, thread-like mycelium spreading throughout the grain spawn. Throughout the incubation period, maintain strict sterility protocols to prevent contamination. Work in a sterile environment when handling grain jars, and always use sterile tools and techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
Growing Pan Cyans is not too difficult, but it requires more attention and care than growing Psilocybe cubensis. You need to follow stricter guidelines, such as working with a humidifier or SGFC, and being cautious with your sterilization procedure.
Maintaining an incubation temperature of 80°F (26.7°C) is ideal for Pan Cyans. This temperature range promotes optimal mycelium growth and colonization.
Pans grow well with a vermiculite/peat/lime/oyster shell mix, or a mixture of rye berries and vermiculite. Pans also need to be grown on manure to get a good amount of fruits.
A low-tech method for growing Pan Cyans involves pasteurizing dung or compost from a garden, covering trays and letting them sit for a couple of days. Once mycelium starts growing, case them with a layer of the same dung/compost, misting, and fanning as necessary.
