What does Trichoderma contamination look like?

Trichoderma (green mold) appears as bright lime-green or dark green fuzzy patches on substrate or jars. It is the most common and aggressive mushroom cultivation contaminant. Any jar or container showing green growth should be sealed and discarded — it cannot be saved.

How do I tell mycelium from contamination?

Healthy mycelium is white to off-white, grows in rope-like (rhizomorphic) or fluffy patterns, and smells mildly mushroomy. Contamination appears in colours other than white (green, black, pink, yellow, orange), often smells sour or foul, may be slimy or wet, and spreads irregularly. Blue bruising on white mycelium is normal.

What is cobweb mold and should I worry about it?

Cobweb mold is a common and usually harmless fungal growth that appears as thin, wispy, grey or white web-like strands across the substrate surface. Unlike Trichoderma, it does not colour the substrate and can often be controlled by increasing fresh air exchange and reducing surface humidity.

Visual Contamination Guide

Golden Rule: If in doubt, throw it out. Never open a contaminated jar or tub inside your grow area.

[Image: Bright white patches turning forest green]

Trichoderma ("Trich")

SEVERITY: CATASTROPHIC

The most common enemy. It is a parasitic mold that eats mycelium.

🔍 Identification:

Starts as brilliant white, fluffy patches (whiter than mycelium).
Turns forest green within 24 hours as it sporulates.
Texture is dusty/powdery.

[Image: Grey, wispy, hair-like growth covering surface]

Cobweb Mold

SEVERITY: TREATABLE

Often confused with mycelium, but it's distinct once you know it.

🔍 Identification:

Greyish color (not pure white).
Grows 3D (stands up high above surface).
Grows incredibly fast (covers tub in 24hrs).
Test: Spray with peroxide. If it melts instantly, it's cobweb.

[Image: Wet, slimy grains or uncolonized spots]

Bacillus (Wet Rot / Sour Rot)

SEVERITY: HIGH

Bacteria usually from endospores surviving sterilization or too much moisture.

🔍 Identification:

"Wet spots" pressed against the glass.
Grains look slimy or creamy.
Smell: Sour, rotting apples, or dirty socks. (Healthy mycelium smells like fresh mushrooms).

[Image: Pink or red circular patches]

Lipstick Mold (Sporendonema)

SEVERITY: HIGH

A slow-growing but dangerous mold. Can change color from white to pink to red.

🔍 Identification:

Distinct pink, red, or purple color.
Often starts as white crystalline growth.
Do not breathe this in.

[Image: Yellow/Orange liquid droplets on mycelium]

Metabolites ("Myc Piss")

SEVERITY: NOT CONTAM

This is NOT contamination. It is an antibiotic secretion from the mycelium.

🔍 Identification:

Yellow to orange liquid.
Clear, not cloudy/slimy.
Cause: Mycelium is stressed (fighting bacteria, too hot, or too dry). Fix conditions.

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