Mushrooms can vary in appearance, and slight differences are normal. This step helps ensure everything is on track for a healthy harvest. If you notice anything unusual, simply refer to the expandable sections below for common Pod issues and advice on how to handle them:

From left to right, this image shows healthy Shiitake, Elm Oyster, Yellow Oyster, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane Pods. Each Pod has its unique appearance based on the mushroom species and substrate, but all are fully colonized and ready to begin fruiting. Differences in texture and color are normal and indicate a healthy and diverse set of cultures.

Mold often appears as green, black, or blue patches on the surface of the substrate. If you detect mold, take a photo and contact our support team for assistance.

A healthy Pod should have evenly colonized white mycelium, signaling readiness for fruiting. If your Pod isn’t fully colonized, let it rest at room temperature for 5-7 days to allow the mycelium to spread. If at least 80% of the Pod is colonized, you can begin the cultivation.

Cracks can result from excessive handling during transport but generally don’t affect mushroom growth. Start cultivation as usual, cutting the Pod away from the crack or on the opposite side. If concerned, allow the Pod to rest at room temperature in its sleeve for 5-7 days to heal the cracks.

If the substrate appears shaken up, it likely wasn’t fully colonized and was mishandled during transport. Let it rest in the Pod sleeve at room temperature for 5-7 days for the mycelium to spread. Contact our support team for assistance if there’s no significant improvement afterward.

Tears or punctures in the Pod’s plastic packaging can lead to contamination. If you notice any, take a photo and contact our support team for assistance.

Brown stains are usually residues from supplements used in the substrate mixture, which is completely normal. Cut the pod away from the stain or on the opposite side, as these areas can be prone to infection or mold.

Dark liquid usually indicates bacterial contamination, often accompanied by a foul smell, except in Reishi pods. Reishi pods may produce a light brownish liquid as a normal part of their mycelial growth process. However, if a foul odor is present or there’s an excessive amount of liquid, follow the same precautions: do not place the pod in the growing device, as it may contaminate the unit and damage the HEPA filter. Instead, take a photo and contact our support team for assistance.

Sometimes mushrooms begin forming already under the plastic packaging. Generally, this won’t affect your success with the Pod, so start a cultivation as usual.