Zanaravo.com - mushroom spawn and kits for mushroom cultivation
Reishi – Ling chi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a wood loving mushroom. In a traditional Chinese medicine it has been used for centuries. Before artificial cultivation techniques were developed this mushroom was very scarce in nature and therefore very precious. In ancient China it was allowed to be used only by the members of royal families.
Because of its broad spectrum of medicinal uses it was named the mushroom of immortality. It is valued mainly because of its anti stress and anti tumor activities, immune system enhancing abilities; it also lowers cholesterol content, works against allergies, bronchitis etc. Medicines and food supplements are also produced out of these mushrooms.
Beside healing properties, it has a very appealing look and is not prone to environmental conditions as other species of mushrooms are. In nature it grows on broad leaf tree stumps in areas with warmer climate conditions.
Because it is still rare in nature, its gathering can be time consuming and especially not beneficial for its preservation. Alternative to gathering is artificial cultivation.
If we want to cultivate as much fruit bodies as possible at once upper part of the bag covering the substrate needs to be cut off. Substrate needs to be placed in a warm, humid environment. (picture 1.)
 Picture 1. Fruiting bodies growing from the substrate bag with the upper part removed |
Also few cuts can be made through the bag. Through these cuts the mushrooms start to grow (picture 2).
 Picture 2. Mushrooms growing through cuts |
 Picture 3. Covering the reishi kit with clean and moist moss |
Reishi cultivation kit needs to be placed in a semi moist place with the temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C, protected from direct sun light. If you want to cultivate reishi in a pot (“bonsai” style) just put the kit with upper part of the bag removed in a pot and cover it with clean and moist moss.
In few weeks mushroom antlers emerge through the moss. In a couple of months (growth speed is temperature dependent) fruiting bodies reach their full size (picture 4).
If you don’t have an appropriate place for the winter, you can put the kit in a low to semi humid place with around 10°C. As it warms up start to spray it with water and mushrooms will continue to grow.
 Picture 4. »Bonsai« reishi few months after »planting« |
Fully matured mushrooms are picked, dried, grinded and can be used for preparation of medicinal teas or can be dried for decoration purposes only.
Kits also contain detailed illustrated instructions.
Mushroom cultivation using this kit is suitable for complete beginners.
This product is certified organic.