Mold

Lipstick Mold

Named for its distinctive pink to red color, lipstick mold is commonly found on grain spawn. While not as aggressive as Trichoderma, it indicates contamination issues with the grain preparation process.

Sporendonema purpurascensModerate riskDiscard the batch

Lipstick Mold in a mushroom grow (illustration) — Reference illustration

What does Lipstick Mold look like?

Bright pink to rose-red powdery patches on grain. Can also appear orange-pink. Usually found on individual grains or small clusters.

Color: Pink
Texture: Powdery, granular
Smell: None
Growth speed: Moderate

Why does Lipstick Mold show up?

Insufficient grain sterilization, contaminated spawn source, improper storage conditions.

What do I do if I find Lipstick Mold in my grow?

Discard affected grain spawn.
Do not use contaminated spawn for inoculation.
Check remaining spawn for signs of contamination.
Review sterilization procedures.

How do I prevent Lipstick Mold?

Ensure proper grain sterilization.
Use fresh, clean grain.
Check spawn supplier quality.
Store spawn in cool conditions.

At which stage does Lipstick Mold appear?

Stage	Risk	What happens	How to prevent it
Preparation	Moderate	Can be present on unsterilized grain.	Sterilize grain thoroughly. Use proper soak and simmer technique.
Inoculation	Low	Less likely to enter during inoculation.	Use clean spawn from trusted sources.
Colonization	High	Most visible during colonization. Pink patches appear on grain.	Monitor grain jars closely. Remove any suspect jars from incubation area.
Fruiting	Low	Rarely appears at fruiting stage.	Inspect substrate before fruiting.
Harvest	No risk	—	—