Common Name(s)
Caterpillar fungus, winter worm summer grass
Preferred Substrates
In the wild Cordyceps parasitizes insects. At home Cordyceps militaris grows best on substrates that are rich in nutrients, such as soybean husks, rice straw, and wheat bran. Some growers also use a mixture of hardwood sawdust and rice bran. One popular method uses a nutrient-rich broth on brown rice.
Environmental Conditions
Spawn Run: 75-80
Pinning Initiation: 64-70
Fruitbody Development: 68-77
Difficulty
Moderately Difficult
Notes
Cordyceps militaris is a type of medicinal mushroom that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its potential health benefits, including immune system modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps militaris is a parasitic fungus that typically grows on the larvae of various insects, although it can also be cultivated on a substrate of grain or sawdust. It has a bright orange or yellowish color and a distinct cylindrical shape. Cordyceps militaris is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of Asia and is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement and natural remedy in the Western world.Growing Cordyceps militaris at home requires a significant amount of knowledge, skill, and specialized equipment, and is generally best left to experienced growers.