Chaga - Mycelium on organic wooden pegs

Inonotus obliquus

Chaga naturally grows in cold climates and develops by parasitizing birch trees, often following an injury to the tree. This mushroom can take several years to visibly develop on the outside of the tree. Watch for signs of chaga growth, which typically appears as a black, irregular mass on the birch bark.

The choice of mature trees is crucial as chaga feeds on the tree's nutrients, and a young or small birch could be severely weakened by the presence of the fungus. Additionally, older and larger trees often have more developed immune defenses, which can paradoxically foster a healthier balance between the fungus and the tree, allowing the chaga to grow without killing the host tree too quickly.

Therefore, prioritize birch trees that are at least 15 to 20 years old, with a minimum diameter of 20 cm.

It is also important to note that intentional cultivation of chaga remains experimental and is not guaranteed. Sustainable forest management practices and responsible harvesting should always be prioritized to maintain the health of forest ecosystems.

For more information, we recommend reading our guide: "Log Cultivation"

How to Inoculate Substrates with Chaga Mycelium?

The optimal periods for inoculating substrates are autumn, winter, and early spring, before the sap rises.

Required Equipment

Mycelium on Dowels: For a 1m length, multiply the diameter of a log by 2.5. For example, a log that is 1m long and 20cm wide: 20x2.5=50 dowels.

- Drill and 8-9mm drill bit

- Hammer

- Optional: soy wax / beeswax / paraffin / green clay to cover the holes.

Instructions

* Wash your hands before touching the mycelium to maximize the chances of success.

* Drill holes in your birch log. The holes should be slightly deeper than the height of the dowel. Space the holes about 5 cm apart. A 1m long log requires approximately 50 dowels.

* Insert the dowels into the holes using a hammer. The dowels should not protrude from the holes.

* Cover with wax. The wax protects the mycelium from insects and diseases and prevents drying out. Alternatively, you can use paraffin, cheese wax, or green clay.

Notes

The optimal periods for inoculating logs are autumn, winter, and early spring, before the sap rises.

The main enemy of this cultivation is dryness: cover the logs with a tarp or cloth if necessary to maintain the moisture of the logs, especially during incubation.

We prepare our bags by weight, so there may be slight variations compared to the indicated number.

We inoculate the dowels with a mixture of grains and wood chips. Therefore, it is normal to have some sawdust mixed with the dowels. This remaining sawdust can also serve as inoculum.

All our products are certified organic "BE-BIO-01".

Our mycelium is produced under laboratory conditions, ensuring variety purity and optimal quality.

For bulk orders, contact us for a quote: contact@lamycosphere.com