A spore print is actually the “seed” of a mushroom, although technically that comparison is not entirely correct. It is a print of millions of spores, collected from the cap of a mature mushroom. This print is usually made on sterile paper or aluminum foil and sealed airtight.

A spore print is not a grow kit . It is the basic raw material for advanced users who want to grow their own mycelium , for example on agar, liquid culture or grain.

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What do you need to get started?

Using spore prints is not for beginners – but with the right preparation it is perfectly doable. Here is what you need:

• A sterile workspace (such as a glovebox or flow hood)

• An inoculation instrument such as a sterile syringe or scalpel

• Substrate (agar, grain, brown rice flour or vermiculite)

• Gloves, face mask and disinfectant alcohol

• Possibly a pressure cooker or pressure cooker for sterilization

Pro tip: Start with agar plates. This will allow you to check if the spore print is pure before growing further.

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How do you use a track print?

Below you will find a concise step-by-step plan for the classic method:

1. Prepare your substrate or agar plates

Sterilize everything thoroughly. We mean it: working clean is crucial. Contamination is the biggest enemy of every grower.

2. Make a sterile syringe

Do you want to use the print in liquid medium or directly on substrate? First make a spore solution . Carefully scrape some spores from the print in sterile water, suck this up in a syringe and let it mature for a few days.

3. Inoculate your substrate

Use the syringe to inoculate the substrate. This can be done through an injection port in a culture bag or directly onto an agar plate. Label everything well!

4. Let the mycelium growth begin

Store the inoculated substrate in a warm, dark place (±24 °C). Within a few days to weeks you will see white threads appear: that is your mycelium.

5. From substrate to harvest

Depending on your method, you will then move on to bulk substrate (such as coco or compost) and finally to fruiting chambers to grow mushrooms.

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How do you store a spore print?

Spore prints have a long shelf life, but only if you store them properly:

• Dark and cool : Store in a dry place, preferably in the refrigerator (not in the freezer).

• Airtight packaging : Use ziplock bags or foil to prevent drying out and contamination.

• Do not open until use : Every time you open the package you increase the risk of contamination.

A well-preserved spore print can easily remain usable for 12 to 24 months .

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What types are there?

At Novus Fumus you will find a number of classic varieties – all selected for their reputation, strength and diversity:

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Important warnings

While growing mycelium is legal in many countries, psilocybin mushrooms are often illegal to consume , so always check the laws in your country or region.

At Novus Fumus we sell spore prints exclusively for microscopic and educational use.

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Finally, is it for you?

Working with spore prints is a great hobby for anyone fascinated by fungi, biology or self-sufficient life. But it requires patience, hygiene and precision. If you just want to grow mushrooms without any hassle, a ready-made grow kit is probably a better idea.