Laura Smith
Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals; they are fungi. They require specific conditions to grow and have a unique biology. Mushrooms grow from fungal spores that thrive in damp, dark environments with indirect light and high humidity. They grow on various substrates, including decaying organic matter, animal dung, and hardwood logs, and are often found in forests and shady areas. With the right techniques, mushrooms can be cultivated at home or grown commercially in urban farms and warehouses. However, it is essential to be cautious when foraging for mushrooms, as some varieties are poisonous.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light | Mushrooms require shade or dark places, but some can grow in part to full sun |
| Temperature | Mushrooms grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Moisture | Mushrooms require a moist environment to prevent them from drying out |
| Humidity | Mushrooms thrive in cool, humid conditions |
| Substrate | Mushrooms grow on many different kinds of substrate (organic material), including hardwood, manure, and soil |
| Location | Mushrooms grow in forests, fields, and urban farms |
| Speed | Mushrooms can grow quickly, sometimes from primordia to full-grown mushrooms in less than a day |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms grow from fungal spores in damp, dark conditions
Mushrooms are fungi and require different conditions to grow than plants. They grow from fungal spores in damp, dark conditions. Fungi don't use sunlight for energy and only need indirect or shaded light for a few hours a day for fruiting bodies to form correctly. Mushrooms are often found in forests, growing on trees or decomposing leaves. They can also grow on animal dung.
Different species of mushrooms grow on different materials. Some mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, grow on dead or dying hardwood trees. Chicken-of-the-woods, chaga, and oyster mushrooms are wood-loving mushrooms. They are often found protruding from fallen trees or stumps.
Mushrooms require a medium that is high in decaying plant matter. They grow from underground mycelium, which is a complex network of fibres that can spread over large distances. Mycelium grows by absorbing nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. It remains dormant and hidden until the conditions are right for reproduction. It then produces a fruiting body, which we call a mushroom, to produce and distribute spores.
Mushrooms need a moist, humid environment to develop and grow. They lose moisture easily as they have no skin, so they need high humidity to prevent them from drying out. Mushrooms grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They may start growing in spring when temperatures are colder, but they thrive in a climate where temperatures are around 70 degrees.
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They require decaying plant matter as a medium
Mushrooms are fungi and require different conditions to grow than plants. They do not produce chlorophyll, so they cannot produce their own food. Instead, they rely on the nutrients found in the materials surrounding them. Mushrooms grow on many different kinds of substrate (the organic material they call home).
Mushrooms require decaying plant matter as a medium. They often spring directly from dead trees, taking advantage of all the decomposing organic matter. Fungi play an important role in the ecosystem as they secrete enzymes that help break down decaying organic matter. They are responsible for a significant amount of the world's decomposition, a critical component of nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
Oyster mushrooms, for example, grow in clusters resembling shelves on dead or dying hardwood trees. They have a stubby, off-center stalk and white or tan flesh containing various nutrients. Sulphur shelf mushrooms, on the other hand, typically grow on hardwoods such as oak, willow, and chestnut. They have fan-like or semicircular caps and are low in calories while offering a good amount of nutrients.
Some mushrooms, known as coprophilous fungi or dung-loving fungi, grow in animal dung. Cow dung, in particular, is an excellent growing medium for mushrooms because it contains very small amounts of stomach acid and is a good source of organic matter, enzymes, and nutrients.
In addition to decaying plant matter, mushrooms require the right amount of light and temperature, as well as a moist, humid environment to develop and grow. They prefer shade or dark places, which is why they are often found on forest floors or under trees. Mushrooms grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive when temperatures are around 70 degrees. They can also be grown indoors, in warehouses, former industrial spaces, or basements.
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They grow on trees, decomposing leaves, and cow dung
Mushrooms grow in a variety of places, including trees, decomposing leaves, and cow dung. Each of these environments provides the fungi with the ideal conditions and nutrients they need to thrive.
Mushrooms That Grow on Trees
Mushrooms that grow on trees are either parasitic or saprotrophic. Parasitic fungi, such as the Chaga mushroom, feed on living trees, while saprotrophic fungi, like the elm oyster mushroom, feed on dead and decaying wood. Parasitic fungi can infect and eventually kill their host trees, while saprotrophic fungi help break down dead organic matter, creating compost that benefits the soil, trees, and plants.
Some mushrooms, like the elm oyster mushroom, grow high up on the trunks and branches of broadleaf hardwood trees, while others, like the wood ear fungus, grow in damp, shady conditions on dead stumps or fallen branches. It is important to note that the presence of mushrooms on trees can sometimes indicate underlying issues with the tree's health, and consulting a certified arborist is advisable to assess and treat fungal infections.
Mushrooms That Grow on Decomposing Leaves
While there is limited information specifically about mushrooms growing on decomposing leaves, it is known that mushrooms are saprobic and act as decomposers. They break down dead organic matter, including leaves, and contribute to the nutrient cycle in ecosystems.
Mushrooms That Grow on Cow Dung
Certain types of mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis, are closely associated with cow dung. This is because cows often consume grass or grains covered with the spores of these fungi, and the spores then germinate within the dung. The fungi flourish in the faeces and release their spores into the surrounding vegetation, which is then consumed by cows, continuing the cycle.
In addition to cow dung, Psilocybe cubensis can also grow on horse dung and sugar cane mulch, and it has been found in various locations around the world, including Australia and Zimbabwe. The growth of this fungus is influenced by factors such as humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange.
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Mushrooms thrive in cool, humid, and moist environments
Mushrooms are the fruit, or fruiting body, of a much larger fungus that grows underground or in decaying wood. They grow from fungal spores that thrive in damp, dark conditions with indirect or shaded light. Mushrooms require a medium that is high in decaying plant matter and can spring directly from dead trees.
Mushrooms are very adaptable and can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They may begin growing in spring when temperatures are colder, but they thrive in a climate where temperatures hover around 70 degrees. Mushrooms also grow well in environments with high humidity and moisture. This is because mushrooms have no skin, making it difficult for them to retain moisture. Therefore, they must grow in a moist environment to prevent the fruiting bodies from drying out.
To grow mushrooms, you can create the right conditions by maintaining a cool, humid, and moist environment. For instance, you can mix spawn with compost and let nature take its course. Alternatively, the log method is another popular technique, where mushrooms are grown on hardwood logs.
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They grow in forests, warehouses, and basements
Mushrooms grow in a variety of locations, including forests, warehouses, and basements. In forests, mushrooms can be found growing on trees, decomposing leaves, and other organic matter on the forest floor. They thrive in shady, moist, and humid environments, making forests an ideal habitat.
Warehouses and basements can also provide suitable conditions for mushroom growth. Mushrooms require relatively little space and can grow indoors without direct sunlight, making these locations viable for urban farmers. Climate-controlled rooms can be utilised to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for mushroom cultivation.
Additionally, mushrooms can grow on various substrates, such as hardwood logs, sawdust, and wood dowels. Urban farms, like R&R Cultivation, use these substrates to provide the necessary support and nutrients for mushroom growth. By inoculating the substrate with mycelium, the fungus that produces mushrooms, they can cultivate a variety of mushroom species.
When foraging for mushrooms in forests, it is important to properly identify edible varieties. Guides and expert knowledge are essential to distinguish safe mushrooms from poisonous ones. Some mushrooms, like the Death Angel, resemble edible varieties but are highly toxic. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as safe.
Overall, mushrooms are adaptable fungi that can thrive in various environments, making them accessible to both wild foragers and urban farmers.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are fungi and require different conditions to grow than plants. They grow from fungal spores that thrive in damp, dark conditions and require a medium that is high in decaying plant matter. They often spring directly from dead trees, manure in a field, or decomposing leaves on the forest floor.
Mushrooms require specific growing conditions, including shade or indirect light, and cool, humid environments. They grow best in temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisture is critical for mushroom growth, as they have no skin and can dry out easily.
Mushrooms grow very quickly once they have the right conditions. Some species can grow from small primordia to full-grown mushrooms in less than a day. However, most medium to large mushroom species take three to four days to reach maturity. When growing mushrooms outdoors, the process can take anywhere from six months to two years.
