Fruiting Room Conditions

Mushrooms grow best under a fairly specific range of ideal conditions. Grow rooms with conditions outside the ideal ranges or those that experience fluctuations in conditions can significantly impact mushroom yield and quality. Each species varies on their sensitivity and requirements for these variables, so please refer to specifics about the variety you are cultivating to ensure you are providing optimal growing conditions for success.

Fruiting room conditions necessary for successful mushroom production

Humidity - In almost all cases, natural humidity levels of an area are not sufficient for consistent mushroom production and needs to be supplemented by one or more humidification systems depending on your space.

Temperature - As a general rule of thumb, mushrooms produced under cooler conditions grow more slowly but are better quality. A warm fruiting room can result in over-mature lower quality mushrooms, dry conditions, and increased risks of contamination. Mild to moderate fluctuations in temperature are not inherently a concern, however, relative humidity is directly correlated to temperature, so modifying the humidification process in response to temperature fluctuations is critical.

Light - Mushrooms require light to grow properly, so be sure to provide plenty of light. Generally 10-12 hours per day of natural, incandescent, or fluorescent light is sufficient. Monitor mushrooms for long stems and other abnormalities, which can be a sign of insufficient lighting (or high CO₂, read below).

Fresh air exchange - Mushrooms produce carbon dioxide as they grow. High levels of carbon dioxide can cause mushrooms to grow abnormally. Typically mushrooms growing under high CO₂ conditions are long-stemmed or otherwise malformed.

Grow room maintenance and tips for successful mushroom production

• Keep the area clean
• Reduce pests that carry contaminants
• Pick mushrooms young before they release spores
• Remove or quarantine contaminated materials quickly