The 4 culture parameters to master for growing mushrooms

To successfully grow mushrooms, it is essential to control several fundamental parameters: temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and light. These factors directly influence the quality and yield of your crops.

In this article:

• Temperature: a determining factor
• Humidity: essential for optimal growth
• CO₂ concentration: a balance to find
• Light: more than just illumination

1. Temperature: a determining factor

Temperature is an essential parameter for successful mushroom cultivation. It directly influences every stage of the mushroom life cycle, from mycelium colonization to fruiting. Poor control of this factor can cause growth delays or even crop failure. It is therefore crucial to understand and maintain optimal temperatures suited to the cultivated species.

The different cultivation phases and their temperature requirements

• Incubation phase: during this phase, spores or mycelium develop in the substrate. The ideal temperature is generally between 20°C and 24°C. Too low a temperature will slow colonization, while too high a temperature risks promoting contaminant development. Note that substrates during incubation also produce some heat, which sometimes needs to be dissipated to avoid temperature runaway.
• Fruiting phase: a temperature drop is often necessary to trigger fruiting formation. For example, oyster mushrooms require a temperature range between 15°C and 21°C to fruit properly. Other species, like shiitake, have slightly different requirements, around 13°C to 18°C.

Why precise temperature control is indispensable

Mushrooms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Here are some reasons why precise control is essential:

• Growth consistency: maintaining a constant temperature promotes homogeneous substrate colonization and uniform fruiting.
• Reduction of contamination risks: excessively high temperatures promote unwanted molds and bacteria. For this reason, it is better to stay at slightly lower temperatures, risking a slight slowdown in colonization rather than risking a temperature spike.
• Yield optimization: respecting the specific temperature ranges for each species allows for abundant and high-quality harvests.

Recommended equipment for temperature control

To ensure precise temperature control, it is recommended to use appropriate tools:

• Inkbird ITC-308 Temperature Controller: this device allows precise regulation of heating or cooling in your growing environment.
• Probe thermometer/hygrometer: ideal for continuously monitoring the climatic conditions of your growing room.

With this equipment, you can ensure stable and suitable thermal conditions for your mushrooms.

Explanatory video: understanding the importance of temperature

To go further, discover this video made by our partner Andreas from the blog Cultiver les champignons, which details the importance of temperature in mushroom cultivation:

Practical tips for temperature control

• Insulation: if you cultivate indoors, make sure your space is well insulated to avoid heat loss.
• Ventilation: good air circulation helps maintain uniform temperatures and prevents hot or cold spots.
• Use of dedicated zones: divide your spaces into zones to adapt the temperature to each cultivation phase (incubation and fruiting).

By following these recommendations, you will maximize your chances of successfully growing mushrooms while avoiding the main pitfalls related to temperature management.

2. Humidity: essential for optimal growth

Humidity is one of the fundamental parameters for successful mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms, made up of nearly 90% water, require high humidity to ensure their growth and fruiting. Insufficient humidity can slow their development, cause cracks on the fruiting bodies, or even lead to premature drying.

Humidity requirements according to cultivation phases

• Incubation phase: during this phase, moderate humidity (around 70%) is sufficient to promote substrate colonization while limiting mold development. Generally, substrates are in closed bags (with microfilters)
• Fruiting phase: higher humidity, between 85% and 95%, is necessary to stimulate primordia formation and ensure quality fruiting.

The consequences of poor humidity management

Inappropriate humidity control can cause various problems in your crops:

• Too low humidity: fruiting bodies risk drying out, cracking, or not forming properly. The risk is reduced yields, or even preventing fruiting.
• Too high humidity: excess humidity promotes condensation, which can cause mold or pathogenic bacteria to appear on the substrate and mushrooms.

Equipment to measure and regulate humidity

For precise humidity management, it is essential to equip yourself with reliable tools:

• Inkbird IHC-200 humidity controller: this device automatically regulates humidity levels by turning a humidifier on or off.
• Probe hygrometer: ideal for continuously monitoring humidity levels in your growing room.

Solutions to maintain optimal humidity

Here are some practical methods to effectively manage humidity:

• Misting: use an ultrasonic mister or a professional mister to create a fine water vapor that maintains high humidity without excess condensation.
• Manual spraying: in small setups, a manual pressure sprayer is a simple and effective solution.
• Space insulation: properly insulate your growing room to limit humidity loss.
• Ventilation control: moderate ventilation helps limit excess condensation while maintaining sufficient humidity.

Humidity and mushroom well-being: advanced tips

To further optimize your crops:

• Create a "humidity bell": in small crops, use a transparent container or a plastic tent to maintain high humidity around the mushrooms.
• Avoid drafts: place your setups in an area protected from air movements, which can reduce ambient humidity.
• Daily observation: visually monitor your mushrooms for any signs of drying out or mold.

3. CO₂ concentration: finding the right balance

The CO₂ concentration is a crucial parameter for mushroom cultivation. Excess carbon dioxide can inhibit the formation of primordia (young mushrooms) and compromise their development. Conversely, too low a CO₂ level can slow mycelium colonization. Finding the right balance between these two phases is therefore essential for successful cultivation.

Understanding CO₂ levels according to cultivation phases

• Colonization phase: During this stage, mushrooms tolerate higher CO₂ levels (up to 5000 ppm or more, depending on species). This concentration promotes rapid mycelium growth in the substrate.
• Fruiting phase: During fruit body formation, a significant drop in CO₂ is necessary to stimulate primordia emergence. Optimal levels are generally between 400 and 1000 ppm, close to normal ambient air concentration.

Effects of poor CO₂ management

Insufficient control of carbon dioxide can have several consequences:

• CO₂ too high: mushrooms may develop elongated stems and underdeveloped caps, a phenomenon known as "stretching."
• CO₂ too low: slowed substrate colonization, which can prolong the cultivation cycle. If you need to heat or cool your growing space, you will want to renew the air in your room at the minimal necessary level.

How to measure and regulate CO₂?

For precise management, it is recommended to use appropriate tools:

• Inkbird ICC-500T CO₂ Controller: this device allows continuous monitoring of CO₂ levels and automatically activates ventilation when necessary.
• Ventilation system: use fans or extractors to renew the air and effectively reduce CO₂ concentration during the fruiting phase.

Techniques to maintain an optimal balance

Here are some methods to ensure a perfect balance:

• Natural ventilation: In small-scale setups, opening a window or using passive ventilation may suffice.
• Mechanical ventilation: For larger productions, air extractors controlled by a CO₂ controller allow this process to be automated.
• Frequent measurements: Regular monitoring with a measuring device ensures real-time adjustments.

Tip: combine CO₂ and humidity

To avoid drying out the air during ventilation, be sure to combine this step with appropriate humidification. For example, use an ultrasonic mister to maintain ideal humidity while renewing the air.

Positive or negative pressure: which to choose for ventilation?

In a cultivation room, managing air circulation well is essential. You have two main options to ventilate your space:

• Positive pressure ventilation: You inject fresh air into your room, creating positive pressure. This method can limit the entry of external contaminants if your incoming air is filtered.
• Negative pressure ventilation: You extract air saturated with CO₂, humidity, and spores to the outside, creating a negative pressure. This method is particularly recommended if your room is located in a house, garage, or shared space, as it effectively removes spores and excess moisture.

Whatever method is chosen, it is essential to ensure balanced airflow: air must be able to enter at one point and exit at another to avoid stagnation.

The challenges of air mixing

In some setups, especially fruiting rooms, a simple airflow may be insufficient. Indeed, ventilation tends to take the shortest path, which can create problematic air pockets:

• CO₂ can accumulate in certain areas, preventing proper fruiting.
• Humidity can be unevenly distributed, making some parts of the room too dry or too humid.

To avoid these imbalances, it can be helpful to integrate an internal mixing system, such as a fan or air agitator. This will evenly distribute climatic conditions throughout the room, promoting uniform mushroom growth.

Tips for optimal ventilation

• Adjust the airflow to the size of your room and the volume of air needed for your crops.
• Monitor climatic conditions with sensors to quickly detect stagnant air pockets or problematic areas.

4. Light: more than just illumination

Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis. However, light remains a crucial factor in mushroom cultivation, especially during the fruiting phase. It acts as a physiological trigger that guides their growth and influences their overall development.

There are some exceptions of mushrooms that do not need light to develop, such as champignons de paris or white enokis.

The role of light in mushroom cultivation

Light plays several roles in the life cycle of mushrooms:

• Fruiting: Appropriate exposure triggers the appearance of primordia and promotes uniform fruiting.
• Orientation: Mushrooms naturally grow towards the light source, ensuring vertical and aesthetic growth.
• Quality of fruiting bodies: Adequate light can also influence the color and appearance of mushrooms.

Light requirements according to species

Although specific light needs vary slightly depending on the species, here are general recommendations for most cultivated mushrooms:

• Exposure duration: 10 to 12 hours of light per day is sufficient in most cases.
• Type of light: Favor diffuse and indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the substrate and damage the fruiting bodies.
• Intensity: A moderate light intensity, comparable to that of a well-lit room (about 500 to 1000 lux), is generally ideal.

Recommended equipment for optimal lighting

To provide suitable light for your crops, here are some solutions:

• LED or fluorescent tubes: These light sources are economical and produce little heat, which is ideal for mushrooms.
• Automatic timer: To ensure a regular light cycle, consider using a timer that turns the lights on and off according to your mushrooms' needs.

Practical tips for managing light

• Positioning: Place your light sources about 50 cm above the mushrooms for even diffusion.
• Avoid shadows: Ensure that all crops receive uniform light. Shaded areas can slow growth.
• Complementarity with other parameters: Coupled with good humidity and appropriate ventilation, optimal light management maximizes your yields.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too intense light: Too bright light can stress the mushrooms and affect their quality.
• Absence of light: Not providing light during the fruiting phase can prevent the appearance of primordia.

Conclusion

Mushroom cultivation is an art based on perfect mastery of four essential parameters: temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and light. By precisely controlling these elements, you will create an optimal environment that guarantees abundant and quality harvests.

Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced grower, respecting these fundamental principles is the key to success. With professional and suitable tools, you will be able to adjust each parameter according to the specific needs of your crops.

Equip yourself for success

To ensure the success of your projects, discover our complete range of equipment designed for mushroom cultivation:

• Inkbird ITC-308 temperature controller
• Inkbird IHC-200 humidity controller
• Inkbird ICC-500T CO₂ controller
• Ultrasonic mister
• Manual pressure sprayer

Our products are specially selected to meet the needs of growers and ensure ideal conditions at every stage of cultivation. Trust La Mycosphère to succeed in your mushroom growing, whether it is oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, or other varieties.

Ready to take action? Discover now our complete selection of products for mushroom cultivation. Your mycological adventure starts here!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Mushroom Cultivation