Sarah Brown
There are many factors that influence the size of mushrooms, and it can be frustrating when they don't grow as expected. Mushrooms are mainly water, so moisture content is critical to their growth. Too much water can be an issue, but so can a lack of moisture, which can cause the mushrooms to dry out. The humidity level is also important, as is the temperature. If the temperature is too high, the mycelium will cook and die. Other factors that can affect mushroom growth include the type of substrate used, air exchange, and genetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Rye, straw and horse poo |
| Casing | Peatmoss verm casing |
| Moisture | Too much moisture can hinder growth |
| Temperature | Should be a few degrees below the optimum temperature |
| Air exchange | Too much air exchange can cause smaller fruits |
| Humidity | Low humidity can cause smaller fruits |
| Genetics | Genetics play a role in fruit size |
| Nutrition | Proper nutrition contributes to fruit size |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms may be small due to over-fanning, causing low humidity
Mushrooms may be small due to a variety of reasons, one of which is over-fanning, causing low humidity. Mushrooms require a certain level of humidity to grow and develop properly. If the humidity is too low, it can negatively impact the growth of the mushrooms, leading to smaller sizes.
Over-fanning can contribute to low humidity by circulating dry air and removing moisture from the environment. While air exchange is important for mushroom growth, excessive fanning can result in a constant flow of dry air, causing the mushrooms to shrink. This is because mushrooms are composed of mostly water, and they require a moist environment to thrive.
To maintain the proper humidity levels, it is recommended to limit the number of air exchanges and adjust the frequency of fanning. For example, instead of fanning every couple of hours, one can reduce the frequency to maintain optimal humidity. Additionally, one can introduce moisture into the environment by misting after fanning to ensure the mushrooms receive adequate hydration.
It is worth noting that while humidity plays a significant role in mushroom growth, other factors such as genetics, nutrition, and the water content of the substrate also come into play. Each type of mushroom has specific environmental requirements, including humidity, air exchange, light, and temperature. Therefore, it is essential to understand the optimal conditions for the specific mushrooms being cultivated to ensure their proper growth and development.
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The first flush of mushrooms is often smaller than the second or third
It is quite common for the first flush of mushrooms to be smaller than the second or third flushes. This could be due to several reasons. Firstly, it is important to maintain the right environmental conditions for the mushrooms to grow, including humidity, air exchange, light, and temperature. For example, Oyster mushrooms require light to fruit, and insufficient light may result in smaller mushrooms. Additionally, the moisture content of the substrate is crucial, as mushrooms need moisture to develop, but too much water can be detrimental.
Another factor that may contribute to smaller mushrooms in the first flush is excessive fanning or air exchange, leading to low humidity. While air exchanges are important, excessive fanning can result in smaller mushrooms. It is recommended to have 5 FAEs (Forced Air Exchanges) per day. Furthermore, the genetics and nutrition play a role in fruit size. Isolating a pure strain may increase the chances of larger mushrooms in the first flush.
The type of substrate used can also impact the size of the mushrooms. Using a deeper substrate can encourage larger mushrooms. Additionally, the substrate's water content is crucial, as a substrate that is too wet or too dry can negatively affect mushroom growth. It is important to ensure that the substrate is fully sterilized and allowed to cool completely before inoculation.
While the first flush may produce smaller mushrooms, it is important to note that these smaller mushrooms tend to be the most potent, even if they are not as aesthetically pleasing as the larger ones from subsequent flushes.
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Mushrooms need moisture to grow, but too much water is an issue
Mushrooms require a moist environment to grow and thrive. Mycelium, the underground vegetative growth of a fungus, needs moisture to produce mushrooms. Mushrooms are composed mostly of water, so if the mycelium dries out or the humidity level drops too low, their growth will be stunted.
However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can be detrimental. Using a substrate that is too wet is a common mistake in mushroom cultivation. Excess water can lead to issues such as waterlogging, which can hinder mushroom growth and even cause rot. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance of moisture.
The water content of the substrate is crucial and should be monitored closely. It is recommended to allow the substrate to completely cool before inoculation and to ensure that the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate. Incomplete colonization can lead to smaller mushrooms.
Additionally, factors such as humidity, air exchange, light, and temperature play a significant role in mushroom growth. Growing mycelium generates heat, so it is important to maintain a temperature slightly below the optimum level to prevent cooking the mycelium. Proper air exchange and humidity levels are also essential, as excessive fanning or low humidity can result in smaller mushrooms.
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Mushrooms need light to fruit
Light acts as a signal to the mushrooms, indicating the direction of growth. The light doesn't need to be intense, and even low-intensity light sources, such as basic LED bulbs, can be used. The ideal light spectrum for mushrooms is white light or blue light (430-470 nanometers). Fluorescent tubes emitting light in the 6,000-7,000 Kelvin range are also suitable. Red light, on the other hand, has been shown to inhibit fruiting body growth in some species.
While some mushroom species, such as Psilocybe albino, prefer almost complete darkness for high yields, others, like the psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis, require ample light for healthy fruit development. For the latter, placing the mushrooms near a window for indirect sunlight or room lighting is usually sufficient.
It's worth noting that the first flush of mushrooms often produces smaller fruits, and subsequent flushes tend to yield larger mushrooms. Additionally, factors such as moisture content, humidity, and genetics also play a role in mushroom size.
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A substrate that is too thick can cause small mushrooms
While cultivating mushrooms, it is important to understand the type of wood that the mushrooms perform best on. The thickness of the substrate can impact the size of the mushrooms. A substrate that is too thick can cause small mushrooms.
The optimal depth of the substrate depends on the type of substrate being used. For instance, the recommended depth for coir is 4 inches, while for straw-based substrates, it is 5 inches. A thicker substrate can lead to larger mushrooms, but it is important to find the right balance. If the substrate is too thick, it may take longer to colonize and generate excessive heat, which can be detrimental to the mushrooms.
In some cases, a shallow substrate of 2-3 inches may be preferred. Shallow substrates colonize quickly with a high spawn rate, but they tend to hold less moisture and produce smaller fruits. On the other hand, thicker substrates take longer to colonize and require more spawn and substrate material. They can also be more challenging to manage due to the heat they generate.
Additionally, the water content of the substrate plays a crucial role in mushroom growth. Mushrooms are composed of about 90% water by weight, so maintaining adequate moisture levels in the substrate is essential for their development. A substrate that is too thick may hinder water absorption, resulting in smaller mushrooms.
It is worth noting that other factors, such as genetics and nutrition, also influence mushroom size. However, by understanding the relationship between substrate thickness and mushroom size, growers can make informed decisions to optimize their cultivation practices and achieve the desired results.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms need moisture to develop, but too much water can be detrimental. The humidity level is also important, as mushrooms are mainly water and require a moist environment to thrive.
The temperature of the substrate could be too high, which may cause the mycelium to cook and die. Additionally, oyster mushrooms need light to fruit.
It is common for the first flush to have smaller mushrooms than the second or third flushes. Additionally, over-fanning can cause smaller mushrooms, as it can lead to low humidity.
Using a deeper substrate can encourage larger mushrooms. Additionally, isolating a pure strain may increase the size of the fruits.
