Skip to product information
1 of 3

Branched Oyster (Pleurotus Cornucopiae) Liquid Culture

Branched Oyster (Pleurotus Cornucopiae) Liquid Culture

Regular price $15.00
Regular price Sale price $15.00
Sale Sold out
Quantity

Branched Oyster Mushroom

Scientific Name: Pleurotus cornucopiae

Branched Oyster, also known as the Elm Oyster (though not a true Elm Oyster like Hypsizygus ulmarius), is a robust, pale to cream-colored mushroom with deeply decurrent gills that often fork and branch — hence the name "branched." Native to Europe and Asia, it typically grows on dead hardwood trees, often Elm or Poplar. The fruiting bodies are firm, fan- to trumpet-shaped, and grow in dense clusters with creamy white caps and thick stems. It has a subtle, nutty flavor and firm, chewy texture that holds up well in sautés and stir-fries. Although not as common in Western gourmet markets as other oyster varieties, P. cornucopiae is well-regarded in traditional Asian cuisine and is known to produce abundant flushes under proper conditions.

 

Substrate: Hardwood sawdust, straw, or Master's Mix (50/50 soy hulls and hardwood pellets)

Colonization Temp: 75–80°F

Fruiting Temp: 60–70°F

Fruiting Humidity: 85–95%

Light: Moderate indirect light (essential for fruiting initiation and morphology)

FRESH AIR EXCHANGE (FAE): High (strong airflow is needed to reduce stem elongation and deformities)

 

Notes: This species prefers a slightly cooler fruiting range than tropical oysters. Expect dense fruiting clusters and a slightly longer colonization period compared to P. ostreatus.

 

Cultivation Difficulty: Experienced

View full details

What's included?

Each Liquid culture is provided in a 10ml Luer Lock Syringe. Each syringe includes a disposable 18g needle, Luer lock cap, and an alcohol prep pad for safe, aseptic inoculation. 

Why Rhizo Funga?

Rhizo Funga strives to produce superior liquid cultures by isolating and testing genetics from robust, high-performing specimens. Our lab utilizes advanced genetic isolation techniques, and aerates all liquid cultures ensuring vigorous mycelial growth, resulting in faster colonization, higher yields, and greater fruiting consistency . 

Storage & Handling

To maintain optimal performance and purity, always refrigerate your cultures upon arrival and practice strict aseptic techniques during handling and inoculation.We guarantee liquid culture syringes for 30 days after delivery. If you feel your syringe arrived contaminated or not as described, Contact us for a free replacement.

How do I make Liquid Culture?

Liquid culture is made by sterilizing a nutrient solution—usually light malt extract or honey diluted in water—and inoculating it with a clean mycelium sample. The culture is then incubated and gently stirred or aerated until the mycelium fully colonizes the liquid, creating a nutrient-rich starter ready to inoculate grain or substrate.

How do I use a Liquid Culture Syringe?

Simply inject 1–2 mL of liquid culture into a sterilized grain bag or jar through the injection port, or onto an agar plate. Shake the bag lightly once mycelium becomes visible (around 20–30 % colonized) to distribute growth evenly.

What's the difference between a spore syringe and liquid culture?

A spore syringe contains un-germinated spores—essentially the genetic lottery of a mushroom species. A liquid culture, on the other hand, contains live, actively growing mycelium that’s already been isolated for vigor and purity. That means faster, more reliable colonization.

How often should I stir Liquid Culture?

If you’re using a magnetic stir plate or aerated setup, once or twice per day is plenty to keep the mycelium suspended and oxygenated. Hand-swirl jars gently every day or two to prevent the mycelium from forming dense clumps.

Can you use tap water for liquid culture?

Only if it’s filtered or distilled first. Tap water can contain chlorine, minerals, or microbial contaminants that inhibit growth. Clean, low-mineral water gives the most consistent results and prevents cloudy contamination.