Trace prints
A spore print is an impression of a mushroom’s spores on foil or paper. They are made by cutting off the mushroom’s cap and placing it upside down on a flat surface, allowing the spores to fall and leave a print. Spore prints can be used to make your own spore syringes or liquid culture, or for microscopic examination. Our selection includes prints of Golden Teacher, Mexican, and Psilocybe Amazonian. Spore prints are intended exclusively for individuals 18 years of age and older.
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The spore prints in our selection
All spore prints in our selection are from Psilocybe Cubensis strains and are delivered in sterile packaging. Below is a brief description of each strain.
The Golden Teacher spore print is the most commonly used starter strain and a good choice if you’re working with a spore print for the first time. The strain is known for reliable spore quality, consistent colonization, and a mild effect profile in the resulting mushrooms. Golden Teacher colonizes well on both BRF and grain substrate.
The Mexican spore print, also known as Psilocybe cubensis Mexican, is one of the oldest known Cubensis strains and has a long history of traditional use. The strain produces medium-sized mushrooms with a light brown cap and is highly resistant to temperature fluctuations. An accessible strain for growers who want to start with a historically well-documented species.
The Psilocybe Amazonian spore print comes from a robust strain from the Amazon region. It is a large and thick mushroom with a golden, nipple-shaped cap. The Amazonian produces substantial harvests and performs well on nutrient-rich substrates such as grain, straw, and compost. Suitable for growers who already have some experience with inoculation techniques.
What is a spore print and how do you use it?
You make a spore print by cutting off the cap of a mature mushroom and placing it upside down on aluminum foil or a glass slide. After a few hours, the gills release thousands of spores that leave a symmetrical pattern on the surface. The print is then packaged sterilely and can be stored for a long time if kept cool and dry.
To use a spore print for home cultivation, prepare a spore solution by dissolving a small portion of the print in sterile water and drawing it up into a syringe. This creates your own spore syringe. It is also possible to use the print as starting material for liquid culture, in which you activate the mycelium directly in a nutrient solution. If you’d like to skip to a ready-to-use spore solution, check out the pre-filled spore vials.
Spore print versus spore syringe
A spore print is the raw starting material: you need to take additional steps to turn it into a usable spore solution. A spore syringe is already pre-filled and ready for inoculation. The advantage of a print is that you can make multiple batches of spore syringes from it, and that prints can be stored for years if kept properly. Prints are also suitable for microscopic examination of the spore structure, which is more difficult with a filled syringe.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store spore prints in a sealed bag or envelope, in a dry place away from direct light. In the refrigerator at 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, prints can be stored for several years. Avoid moisture and temperature fluctuations, as these negatively affect spore germination. Check the print for signs of moisture damage or mold before use.
Supplies needed when working with spore prints
To make a spore solution from a print, you’ll need sterile water, an empty syringe, a needle, and preferably a sterile work environment. Always use an alcohol wipe and wash your hands thoroughly before touching the print. Supplies such as syringes, heating mats, and filter bags can be found in the cultivation supplies section. You can read more cultivation tips in the knowledge base, in the article on growing magic mushrooms.
Safety and Dosage
Mushrooms grown from Psilocybe cubensis spores contain psilocybin and psilocin. Potency varies by strain and harvest. Always start with a low dose when trying a new strain, and do not use psilocybin in combination with MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, or alcohol. Use is not recommended for those with psychosis, schizophrenia, during pregnancy, or for individuals under the age of 18. You can read more background information on the effects of psilocybin in the knowledge base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spore Prints
What is the difference between a spore print and a spore syringe?
A spore print is the dry starting material from which you can make your own spore solution. A spore syringe is already pre-filled with sterile spore solution and ready for immediate inoculation. Prints are useful if you want to make multiple batches or examine the spores under a microscope. Syringes are more convenient if you want to get started right away.
How do I make a spore syringe from a spore print?
Dissolve a small piece of the spore print in sterile water (approximately 10 ml per syringe). Draw the solution into a sterile syringe and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours so the spores can fully rehydrate. Work as sterile as possible throughout this entire process. Then use the syringe to inoculate your substrate.
How long do spore prints last?
When stored correctly—dry and cool in a sealed bag at 4 to 8 degrees Celsius—spore prints can be kept for several years. Moisture damage or temperature fluctuations can reduce the germination capacity of the spores.
Which substrates are these strains suitable for?
Golden Teacher and Mexican perform well on BRF mix (brown rice flour and vermiculite) and grain substrate. Psilocybe Amazonian performs best on nutrient-rich substrates such as grain, straw, or compost. You can find more information about substrate selection under “ Growing Supplies.”
Do you have questions about the spawn or the cultivation process?
Contact us via customer service or read more on the blog.
