Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a fun and fascinating organism to cultivate, but they can be finicky. One of the most important things to consider when growing mushrooms is the amount of light they receive during incubation and fruiting. While it was previously believed that mushrooms should be incubated in total darkness, some cultivators now suggest that indirect light or partial light during incubation can speed up the process. However, too much light during incubation can cause early fruiting, so it is best to keep mushrooms in a dark spot, with indirect light only when you check on them. During the fruiting phase, mushrooms require light for proper cap formation, with artificial LED lights or indirect sunlight being the best options. The amount of light, light intensity, and type of lighting can affect cap size and stem length.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting during incubation | Most sources advise against exposing mushrooms to light during the incubation period. However, some sources claim that indirect light or partial light during incubation is acceptable, and may even speed up the process. |
| Lighting during fruiting | Mushrooms need light during the fruiting phase for proper cap formation. Indirect light is recommended, as direct sunlight can dry out mushrooms. |
| Optimal temperatures during incubation | Anywhere from 70°F-80°F (21°C-27°C) is acceptable, with the mid-70s being optimal. Temperatures above 86°F (30°C) can stall mycelium growth and encourage the growth of contaminants. |
| Pinning triggers | Full colonization, FAE, evaporation off of the substrate, and light (a secondary trigger). |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms should be kept in the dark during incubation
Although mushrooms do not need light to feed, light remains a key factor for certain stages of their life cycle, notably fruiting. Each species of mushroom has specific light needs, and it is important to understand these needs to optimise growth and quality. For example, Oyster mushrooms will not grow well in the dark and require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. On the other hand, some commonly cultivated mushrooms, such as button and enoki mushrooms, are usually grown in the dark.
During incubation, it is recommended to keep mushrooms in a warm, dark place until they are fully colonised. Exposure to a lot of light during this phase can cause early fruiting. While checking on the mushrooms, it is best to minimise the amount of light they are exposed to. Normal room light is beneficial, as the mycelium derives energy from the light and it helps establish a circadian rhythm. However, bright light should be avoided during colonisation, as it can cause the mycelium to pull back and form invitro pins before full colonisation.
Overall, while mushrooms do not require light to grow, light plays a significant role in their development and fruiting. To optimise growth and yield, it is important to understand the specific light needs of each mushroom species and provide the appropriate lighting conditions during the different stages of their life cycle.
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Indirect light is beneficial during the fruiting phase
Mushrooms do not require light to grow, but light plays a crucial role in their development. Indirect light is essential during the fruiting phase to guide the directional growth of mushrooms and support the fruiting process.
During the incubation phase, mushrooms should be kept in a dark spot away from drafts, as exposure to light can cause early fruiting. However, once the mushrooms have reached the fruiting phase, they require some light to develop properly.
The amount and type of light required during the fruiting phase will depend on the species of mushroom being cultivated. Some mushroom varieties, such as oyster mushrooms, require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. On the other hand, some mushroom species require no light at all to grow.
For most mushroom varieties, indirect natural light or low-intensity artificial light is preferred during the fruiting phase. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can lead to overheating and harm the delicate mycelium. Instead, placing your terrarium or grow kit somewhere it can get indirect sunlight or room lighting should be sufficient.
To achieve optimal fruiting conditions, it is important to balance temperature, humidity, and light, with occasional air circulation to promote healthy mushroom development.
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Direct sunlight during colonisation can stop growth
Mushrooms do not need light to grow during incubation. In fact, too much light during the incubation phase can cause early fruiting, so it's best to let your mushrooms incubate in a dark spot away from drafts. Direct sunlight during colonisation can stop growth.
During colonisation, mushrooms need warm, humid conditions with good fresh air exchange. Your substrate will provide the moisture and nutrients required for growth. You simply need to ensure that temperatures and fresh air exchange are correct. During colonisation, also known as incubation, you leave your inoculated substrate in a spot with suitable conditions for 2 to 3 weeks. In the wild, colonisation happens underground or inside decaying logs or stumps. Therefore, it is best to aim to mimic these ideal natural conditions.
Although mushrooms don't need light to grow, light affects them, and providing indirect light will lead to larger yields and well-formed mushrooms. Mushrooms exhibit a response to light known as phototropism, where the fruiting bodies grow towards the light source. This directional growth ensures that the spores, crucial for reproduction, are effectively released into the environment.
While mushrooms lack chlorophyll and do not rely on light for energy production, a few hours of dim light daily are essential for guiding growth direction and supporting the fruiting process. During colonisation, the mycelium will pull back from direct sunlight, and invitro pins will form before full colonisation, usually stopping colonisation at that point.
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Optimal temperature during incubation is mid-70s °F
Optimal temperatures during the incubation of mushrooms are critical for successful cultivation. Maintaining temperatures in the mid-70s °F range is ideal, with a slight variation of a few degrees on either side also being acceptable. This temperature range ensures that the mushrooms develop properly and helps prevent the growth of contaminants.
During the incubation phase, the spores or mycelium develop in the substrate. The ideal temperature range is generally between 20°C and 24°C (68°F and 75°F). It is essential to avoid temperatures below this range, as it can slow down the colonisation process. Similarly, temperatures above this range should be avoided, as they can encourage the development of contaminants and even lead to the death of the mycelium.
The substrate during incubation produces its own heat, which can further raise the temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and manage the heat levels to avoid excessive temperatures that could be detrimental. One way to achieve this is by evacuating the excess heat produced by the substrate.
While the specific temperature requirements may vary slightly depending on the mushroom variety, the mid-70s °F range is generally optimal. For example, P. cubensis, a commonly cultivated mushroom, colonises most rapidly between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Maintaining the ideal temperature range ensures the mushrooms receive the warmth they need without hindering their growth or causing other issues.
To achieve and maintain the optimal temperature during incubation, mushroom cultivators can employ various tools and techniques. These include using thermometers or temperature sensors to monitor levels and heating pads or infrared bulbs to increase the temperature when needed. By actively controlling the temperature, cultivators can create the ideal environment for their mushrooms to thrive.
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Oyster mushrooms need 10-14 hours of light daily
Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow and are among the most commonly cultivated mushrooms. However, they are quite sensitive to light and need 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields.
Although mushrooms don't need light to grow during incubation, light is crucial for pinning initiation and proper cap formation during the fruiting phase. A study on the effect of lighting on oyster mushrooms showed that it’s not only the amount of light that affects yields but also the light intensity and type of lighting used.
For indoor growing, natural diffused light is ideal. However, if the lighting in your home is insufficient, using an LED grow lamp is an excellent alternative. Low-intensity LED grow lights not only mimic natural light but also prevent mushrooms from being exposed to excess heat or radiation. While mushrooms don’t rely on photosynthesis like plants, managing light properly at different stages directly impacts their growth quality. From the "dark phase" during the spore stage to "weak light support" during the mycelium stage, and finally, to "moderate light exposure" for the fruiting body stage, adjusting light at each phase is essential.
For oyster mushrooms, a warm spot near a window with 10 to 14 hours of indirect light usually provides the required temperatures, airflow, and lighting. Misting your mushrooms frequently with water will help maintain the required humidity levels.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms do not need light to incubate. In fact, exposing mushrooms to light during the incubation phase can cause early fruiting. It is best to let your mushrooms incubate in a dark spot away from drafts.
The ideal temperature for incubating mushrooms is between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Temperatures higher than this range may kill the mycelium and encourage the growth of contaminants, and temperatures lower than this range may slow down colonisation.
Mushrooms need light during the fruiting phase for their fruit bodies to develop properly. Oyster mushrooms, for example, need 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. For ambient/indirect light, a 12/12 schedule is recommended.
