Spore Swaps: A Community Tradition Rooted in Curiosity & Cultivation

In the world of mycology, few traditions embody community spirit quite like mushroom spore swap and meetups. These monthly exchanges at Orion’s Apothecary, allow cultivators to trade viable mushroom spores with one another and have become a cornerstone of the modern mushroom growing community. For over two years, we love seeing how these swaps have grown to empower growers, preserve fungal biodiversity, and create meaningful connections.

Whether you’re a hobbyist cultivator, a genetics enthusiast, or simply fungus-curious, here’s everything you need to know about the art and ethics of spore swapping.

What Is a Spore Swap?

A spore swap is a community-driven exchange where mushroom growers trade spore prints, spore syringes, or culture samples. Swaps can happen online (via forums, social channels, and dedicated marketplaces) or in person (at mycology meetups, festivals, and workshops). At Orion’s Apothecary, we offer monthly spore swaps on the first Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm. 

For many, these swaps are the easiest—and often the most cost-effective—way to access:

• Hard-to-find mushroom varieties

• Rare genetics or landrace strains

• Region-specific species

• New lines for breeding and experimentation

  
  

What makes swaps special is that they rely on trust, shared enthusiasm, and a passion for spreading fungal knowledge.

Why Spore Swaps Matter

Preserving Biodiversity

Swaps help keep unique fungal genetics in circulation. Every print carries the potential of an entire lineage—making growers active participants in propagation and conservation.

Community Building

Mycology can be a solitary hobby, but swaps encourage connection. They’re a way to meet fellow enthusiasts, share discoveries, and support one another’s projects.

Accessible Learning

Beginners often find swaps less intimidating than commercial marketplaces. Community members are typically eager to teach, explain, and offer guidance.

Encouraging Ethical Cultivation

Responsible spore sharing promotes sustainable growing practices and reduces pressure on wild mushroom populations.

How to Participate in a Spore Swap Responsibly

Know Your Local Laws

Regulations around spore possession and cultivation vary by region. Always ensure that your swaps follow local guidelines to keep you and your community safe. In the state of Colorado, it is legal to have and give spores, colonized agar plates, and liquid cultures for all varieties of mushrooms. Additionally, Colorado Proposition 122 decriminalized for individuals over 21 to have and gift psilocybin mushrooms, and to cultivate them at home for personal use.

Label Everything Clearly

Good labeling includes the species name, strain (if applicable), date created, and method (print, swab, syringe). Accurate labeling prevents confusion and helps others track lineage.

Maintain Sterility

Clean technique is essential. Contaminated spores, agar plates, and liquid culture syringes don’t just waste time—they can spread issues to someone else’s grow environment.

Trade Fairly & Honestly

Spore swaps rely on trust. Share what you can, don’t misrepresent genetics, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.

Support Healthy Community Culture

Engage respectfully, celebrate others’ successes, and always credit the cultivators whose work you build upon.

The Orion’s Apothecary Perspective

At Orion’s Apothecary, we believe in supporting education, ethical mycology, and community connection. While we offer high-quality spores and cultivation supplies, we also celebrate the grassroots tradition of swapping. These exchanges keep the hobby alive, dynamic, and accessible to everyone.

Whether you're trading your very first spore print or sharing a rare lineage you’ve been stewarding for years, you're helping sustain a collaborative, curiosity-driven ecosystem.

Ready to Grow With the Community?

We’re here to support your mycological journey. Explore our educational resources, cultivation tools, and responsibly sourced spores—and stay tuned for upcoming community events, including digital meetups and potential swap-friendly spaces.