A Simple Method of Growing the Plasmodial Slime Mold Physarum polycephalum Physarum polycephalum can be easily grown in its yellow plasmodial stage and in its flagellated stage. With a little care and attention your plasmodium will flourish and perhaps startle you with amazing growth and an ability to escape from almost any container. Keep in mind that slime molds are sensitive to the following: light (they don't like light but light does help trigger spore formation); an excess of water; and not enough moisture.