Ella Walter
Pan Cyans, or Panaeolus cyanescens, are exotic magic mushrooms that are known to be potent and require careful cultivation. The process of growing them involves pasteurizing compost or manure, allowing mycelium to grow, and then creating an environment with specific temperature, humidity, and air exchange conditions for the mushrooms to thrive. The substrate recipe and preparation methods are crucial, and the growth process requires attention to detail to prevent contamination and ensure optimal colonisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substrate recipe | 5 cups of vermiculite, 3 cups of manure, 10 tablespoons of brown rice flour, 2 cups of water |
| Temperature | 79-84°F for incubation and spawn run, 75-80°F for cropping |
| Humidity | 85-92% |
| Air exchange | Twice an hour |
| Pasteurization | Pasteurize the casing mix for 1 hour |
| Casing layer | 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep |
| Misting | Mist the casing layer, but not the mycelium |
| Pins | Pans will normally start pinning 7-10 days after casing |
| Fruiting | Within 2-3 weeks of casing |
| Substrate | Dung or compost from a garden, cow manure, or vermiculite mixed with poo |
| Shaking | May cause problems, but gentle shaking once colonization is complete can be beneficial |
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What You'll Learn
Pasteurising compost and casing
Panaeolus cyanescens, or Pan Cyans, are known to grow well on dung or compost. If you are obtaining dung or compost from a garden, it is important to pasteurize it before use. This can be done by boiling or pressure cooking the substrate. Once pasteurized, cover your trays and let them sit for a couple of days. If you notice mycelium growth, you can proceed to the casing step.
Casing is not required for Pan Cyans, but some growers choose to do so for a more even layer. If you decide to case, it is recommended to use a thin layer of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of composted manure or the same dung/compost used as the substrate. You can also experiment with different casing mixes, such as a 50/50 mix of wheat straw and zoodoo, or vermiculite mixed with poo. After casing, give the trays a good misting and provide light, regularly fanning and misting as needed.
It is important to note that Pan Cyans thrive in warm temperatures, with daytime highs of up to 93°F and lows of 70-75°F. The fruiting temperature is typically around 75°F. At the right temperature and with proper care, the Pan Cyans should start fruiting within 2-3 weeks of casing.
One successful grower recommends using cow dung as a substrate, specifically aged cow patties that have a nice organic aroma. This is because fresh patties have too many microorganisms that can kill the spores, and they are also sticky and have a strong odour. Another recommended substrate recipe consists of 5 cups of vermiculite, 3 cups of manure, 10 tablespoons of brown rice flour, and 2 cups of water, which can be pressure cooked and inoculated with spores or mycelium.
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Choosing the right substrate
When it comes to choosing the right substrate for growing Pan Cyans, there are several options and important considerations to keep in mind. The substrate is the material that the mushrooms will grow on and colonize, and it plays a crucial role in the success of your cultivation. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help you choose and prepare the right substrate:
First, it's important to understand that Pan Cyans grow well in a variety of substrates. One popular option is to use a mixture of vermiculite, manure, and other ingredients. Vermiculite is a key component as it provides a suitable growing medium and helps retain moisture. The recommended ratio for this substrate is 5 cups of vermiculite, 3 cups of manure, 10 tablespoons of brown rice flour, and 2 cups of water. This mixture will provide enough substrate for 10-12 half-pint jars.
When preparing the substrate, it's crucial to sterilize and pasteurize the manure or compost to prevent contamination and kill any unwanted microorganisms. Aged cow dung is often recommended as it has fewer microorganisms and a pleasant organic aroma. You can pasteurize the substrate by boiling or pressure cooking the jars, and then inoculating them. After colonization, you can slice or crumble the substrate over a moist layer of vermiculite.
Another option for a substrate is to use a grain/poo shakeable substrate. This method involves shaking the substrate to promote colonization, but it should be done gently as the Pan cyan mycelium is fragile. Additionally, you can add course vermiculite to manure to create a suitable substrate for Pan Cyans. This mixture can be pressure-cooked and inoculated with spores or mycelium. It's important to only fill the jars halfway to allow for proper growth.
It's worth noting that some cultivators have experimented with different substrates and compost mixes, and have found success with pasteurized compost or manure. Casing the substrate with a thin layer of the same compost or manure can be effective. This method helps to regulate moisture and provides additional nutrients for the mushrooms. Additionally, rye is mentioned as a great substrate option, offering good potency.
Overall, when choosing the right substrate for growing Pan Cyans, it's important to consider sterilization, moisture retention, and the fragility of the mycelium. Experimenting with different substrates and following the recommended ratios can help ensure successful colonization and healthy mushroom growth. Remember to always work in a clean environment and take the necessary precautions to avoid contamination.
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Incubation and temperature
Incubation is a crucial step in growing pan cyans, and maintaining the correct temperature range is vital for success. The ideal incubation temperature for P. cyanescens is between 28°C and 30°C. At this temperature, the mycelium will completely colonize the substrate in two to four weeks. It is important to place the filter bag in an incubator within this temperature range.
Once the incubation period is complete, you can begin the next phase. Transfer the colonized substrate to a large, clean bag and add a casing layer on top. Seal the bag well with plastic foil and return it to the incubation space. The mycelium will then begin to form a network through the casing layer.
The incubation temperature for the next phase remains crucial. The ideal temperature range for this step is between 24°C and 25°C. During this time, the mycelium will continue to develop and become visible through the casing layer. It is now ready for fruiting conditions.
Fruiting conditions for pan cyans require slightly lower temperatures than the previous phases. The daytime temperature high for optimal growth is around 25°C, with a low of 20°C. These temperatures mimic the natural environment of pan cyans, which grow in tropical regions with warm temperatures.
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Humidity and air exchange
Fresh air exchange is also important for the growth of Pan Cyans. During the spawn run and after casing, no fresh air exchange is required. However, once the primordia start to form, it is recommended to have at least two fresh air exchanges per hour. Maintaining constant fresh air exchange and high humidity simultaneously is ideal.
To achieve the desired humidity levels, you can sterilize a mixture of manure and vermiculite/perlite/rye grass seed in a jar. Inoculate the mixture and let it colonize completely before laying it out in a small tray. Cover the tray with a lid and allow it to recover for 48 hours. Then, apply a thin layer of casing soil, less than 1/4 inch thick. The vermiculite in the mixture helps retain water, while perlite adds fluff and rye grass seed contributes to water retention and fluff.
Additionally, it is important to note that Pan Cyans grow well in warmer temperatures. While older sources suggest temperatures of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, they can thrive in warmer climates with daytime highs of up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in substrate temperatures of 95-96 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Misting and fruiting
Once the substrate is fully colonized, it's time to prepare it for fruiting. To do this, get a big, clean bag and spread the colonized substrate inside. Then, add a casing layer on top. Close the bag well with plastic foil and place it back in the incubation space. After a few days, when the mycelium is visible through the casing layer, it can be placed in fruiting conditions.
When it comes to misting and fruiting, it is important to note that Pan Cyans are sensitive to moisture. While some sources recommend misting the casing layer lightly to keep it moist, others advise against it, stating that misting can cause the mushrooms to turn blue/green and die. Instead, it is suggested to use a fan to maintain airflow and prevent the casing from becoming too wet. However, once the mushrooms have been harvested, misting can be used to rehydrate the casing.
To create the ideal environment for fruiting, maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (22-26°C). Within 2-3 weeks of casing, the Pan Cyans should start fruiting. It is important to provide adequate airflow during this time, allowing fresh air into the room at least 4-5 times a day. The air humidity can be slightly lower, at around 90-95%.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some growers have suggested using a humidifier instead of misting to maintain the desired humidity levels without risking over-wetting the casing. This can be set to around 70% humidity to prevent the mushrooms from getting too wet and dying off.
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Frequently asked questions
The daytime temperature should be between 93-96°F, with a minimum nighttime temperature of 70-75°F.
A vermiculite/peat/lime/oyster shell mix or a pasteurized compost of cow dung and manure are good substrates for pan cyans.
Boil or pressure cook the substrate and then inoculate it.
The incubation period is between two to four weeks, after which the substrate will be totally colonized with the mycelium.
Once the first pinheads appear, ensure the mushrooms get enough fresh air (a minimum of 4-5 times a day) and maintain an air humidity of 90-95%.
