Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom, which means they differ from plants in their nutritional processes. Unlike plants, mushrooms do not rely on photosynthesis, so they do not need light to grow. However, light does play a role in the development of many mushroom species. The amount and type of light required vary widely among different mushroom species. Some mushrooms, such as Psilocybe albino, prefer almost complete darkness, while others, like the psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis, require plenty of light. Blue light, in particular, is beneficial for initiating the fruiting phase, and LED lights are ideal for providing this type of light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light requirements | Mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, as they do not have chlorophyll. However, light can influence mushroom development, including the formation, direction of growth, colour and size of fruiting bodies. |
| Preferred light type | Blue light, particularly in the 430-470 nm range, is recommended for mushroom growth. This can be provided by LED lights, fluorescent lights, or HID lights. |
| Light intensity | Mushrooms generally prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light. A range of 6-8 hours of light per day is often sufficient, although some sources recommend up to 12 hours. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can dry out mushrooms. |
| Species variations | Some mushroom species, such as Psilocybe Albino, grow better in near-complete darkness. Other species, like Psilocybe Cubensis, require more light for healthy development. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms don't need light to grow
Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom, which sets them apart from plants. Unlike plants, mushrooms do not rely on photosynthesis, so light is not an energy source for them. Mushrooms lack chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Instead, fungi get the nutrients and energy they need from the organic material around them, absorbing nutrients from their surrounding environment, often decomposing organic matter like dead plants, wood, leaves, or animals.
Mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions. However, it is a common misconception that mushrooms only grow in the dark. While some mushroom species require no light at all to grow, such as Psilocybe albino, which prefers almost complete darkness for high yields, most other mushroom varieties need some light during the fruiting phase for their fruit bodies to develop properly.
Light plays a role in triggering the formation of fruiting bodies, the part of the fungi that we commonly recognize as “mushrooms.” Light also influences the direction of growth, colour, and size of these fruiting bodies. For example, oyster mushrooms typically require light exposure to start producing sporophores (fruiting bodies). Without this light cue, some species may never fruit, even if all other conditions (humidity, temperature, substrate) are perfect.
The amount of light mushrooms need varies. Some say it can be as little as 2 hours a day, while others recommend 6-8 hours per day. Growers generally agree that it is best to provide 10 to 12 hours of light daily. The light doesn't need to be intense, as it's mainly a signal, not an energy source.
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Blue light is best for growth
While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, blue light has been shown to enhance their growth, especially in the cap, and can improve shape and yield. Blue light promotes vegetative growth, while red light is essential for fruiting. A full spectrum of light, which provides both blue and red light, is ideal for growing most mushrooms.
Mushrooms do not rely on light for their nutritional needs as they do not contain chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb nutrients from their surrounding environment, often decomposing organic matter like dead plants, wood, leaves, or animals.
However, light does have an effect on different stages of mushroom development. For instance, light can be a key factor in triggering the formation of fruiting bodies, the part of the fungi that we commonly recognize as “mushrooms.” Light also influences the direction of growth, colour, and size of these fruiting bodies.
The Blue Sun Spectrum LED technology offered by Active Grow focuses on the 450 nm blue wavelength, which is particularly beneficial for initiating the fruiting phase. It also incorporates 6500K Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) white high Color Rendering Index (CRI) chips, which cover the entire spectral range, extending into the far-red wavelengths. This full spectrum ensures that mushrooms can develop as naturally as possible, receiving the full range of light waves they would encounter in a natural setting.
The use of blue light in mushroom cultivation can lead to healthier, more naturally developed fungi compared to those grown under a narrow spectrum or insufficient lighting conditions. It can also increase certain desirable qualities in mushrooms, such as enhanced flavour profiles, improved nutritional content, and a more natural appearance.
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Fluorescent, LED and HID lights are used for cultivation
Unlike plants, mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, as they do not have chlorophyll and do not engage in this process. Instead, they obtain energy through the breakdown of organic matter. However, light does play a role in the development of many mushroom species. For instance, light can be a key factor in triggering the formation of fruiting bodies, the part of the fungi that we commonly recognize as "mushrooms." Light also influences the direction of growth, colour, and size of these fruiting bodies.
Fluorescent, LED, and HID lights are the three main types of artificial lights used for mushroom cultivation. Fluorescent lights are a popular choice for growing mushrooms because of their energy efficiency, low heat output, and affordability. T5 fluorescent lights have a thin, tube-like design and are known for their high light output and efficiency. They are suitable for small-scale mushroom cultivation and work well for the vegetative growth stage of most mushrooms. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are another energy-efficient option that comes in various sizes and wattages, making them versatile for different grow spaces. They are ideal for small-scale mushroom cultivation and can be used throughout the entire growth cycle.
LED lights are another excellent option for mushroom growers. They are energy-efficient, produce low heat, and offer a full light spectrum. For mushrooms, look for cool white LED lights with a colour temperature of 5000K-6500K, which closely mimics natural daylight without generating too much heat. LED lighting is also more durable and environmentally friendly than fluorescent lighting.
HID lights produce high light output and are often used for large-scale mushroom cultivation. Metal Halide (MH) lights produce a bluish-white light, making them suitable for the vegetative growth stage of mushrooms. They are less energy-efficient than LED or fluorescent lights but provide intense light penetration for larger grow spaces. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights produce a warm, red-orange light that is ideal for the fruiting stage of mushroom growth. They have a high light output but are less energy-efficient than other options.
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Light affects mushroom development
While mushrooms do not rely on light for their nutritional needs, as they do not photosynthesise, light plays a crucial role in triggering the formation of fruiting bodies. Some mushroom species, such as the Psilocybe Cubensis, require ample light to develop healthy, mature fruit bodies. In contrast, other species, like the Psilocybe Albino, prefer almost complete darkness for high yields.
The specific light requirements vary widely among different mushroom species. For example, oyster mushrooms need 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. On the other hand, button and enoki mushrooms are typically grown in the dark, resulting in pale mushrooms with smaller caps.
The type of lighting used also makes a difference. Fluorescent tubes, LED lights, and HID lights are commonly used for mushroom cultivation. LED lights are popular due to their energy efficiency, low heat output, and ability to provide blue light, which is beneficial for initiating the fruiting phase. Full-spectrum LED lights mimic natural sunlight, providing a range of wavelengths for healthy mushroom growth.
The intensity and duration of light exposure are also important considerations. Mushrooms generally prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light, as direct sunlight can dry out substrates and overheat the growing environment. A fixed schedule of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness is a common practice, although some growers provide as little as 2 to 8 hours of light per day.
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Some mushrooms need light to develop
Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom, and unlike plants, they do not rely on light for photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain energy by breaking down organic matter. However, light plays a crucial role in the development of certain mushroom species.
Some mushrooms require light exposure to initiate the formation of fruiting bodies, which are the parts of the fungi that we recognise as mushrooms. Light also influences the direction of growth, colour, and size of these fruiting bodies. For example, oyster mushrooms typically require light exposure to start producing sporophores (fruiting bodies). Without this light cue, they may never fruit, even if all other conditions are perfect. Similarly, psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms require plenty of light to develop healthy, mature fruit bodies.
The amount of light mushrooms need varies, with some growers suggesting 10 to 12 hours of light daily, while others claim that even 2 hours a day is sufficient. Generally, mushrooms prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light. Direct sunlight can dry out substrates and overheat the growing environment. Mushrooms grown in the dark tend to have smaller caps and paler colours.
The specific light spectrum also influences mushroom growth. Blue light, in particular, is beneficial for initiating the fruiting phase, and red light is essential for fruiting. A full spectrum of light, providing both blue and red light, is ideal for growing most mushrooms. LED lights are a popular choice for providing the desired light spectrum, as they are energy-efficient, have low heat output, and can be customised to specific light spectrums.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms can grow in complete darkness. However, light does play a role in the development of many mushroom species.
Mushrooms generally require blue and red light for optimal growth. Blue light promotes vegetative growth, while red light is essential for fruiting. A full spectrum light, which provides both blue and red light, is ideal for growing most mushrooms.
The amount of light mushrooms need varies by species. Some mushroom growers provide 10 to 12 hours of light daily, while others suggest that even 2 hours a day is sufficient. Lack of pin development, long stems, and pale coloration may indicate that mushrooms are not getting enough light.
LED lights are ideal for growing mushrooms indoors. They are energy-efficient, low-heat, and many models provide the blue light spectrum that benefits mushroom development.
