In recent years, more and more people have begun to grow mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster mushrooms, enoki, and even psilocybin mushrooms at home.
For many beginners, one of the most common questions is: Do mushrooms grow in light or darkness? If they need light, how many hours per day?
If you're wondering about this, this article will provide the answers.
1. Light Requirements for Mushrooms
Mushrooms are fungi, not plants, so they don’t perform photosynthesis. Light is not essential for their growth, and their light requirements are relatively low.
But light does have a certain impact on the growth environment of mushrooms:
1）Color and Shape
Proper light exposure can ensure mushrooms have a more even color and better form. For example, oyster mushrooms develop a more balanced cap color and stem thickness under moderate light. If there is insufficient light, mushrooms may elongate or become deformed.
2）Growth Speed
Light conditions can also impact the growth rate. Excessive light may inhibit growth, causing mushrooms to mature early or stop growing. On the other hand, moderate light helps them grow steadily.
3）Quality and Taste
Improper lighting can lead to moisture loss inside the mushrooms, affecting their texture and nutritional value. Maintaining the right light conditions ensures the mushrooms remain tender and flavorful.
2. Light Needs at Different Growth Stages
Mushrooms go through several key stages, including the spore stage, mycelium stage, and fruiting body stage. At each stage, their light requirements vary:
Spore Stage: Almost no light is required, and this can be entirely ignored.
Mycelium Stage: Around 4 hours of low light can support healthy mycelium growth, but this is not absolutely necessary.
Fruiting Body Stage: At this stage, mushrooms need 4-6 hours of indirect light per day with moderate intensity. Too little light may result in incomplete development, leading to smaller or asymmetrical mushrooms. Too much light may cause brown spots or other physiological problems.
The exact amount of light varies depending on the type of mushroom. For example, enoki, oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, and button mushrooms require only 4-6 hours of light. Meanwhile, shiitake, reishi, lion’s mane, and chanterelles may need 10-12 hours.
For more details on other types of mushrooms, feel free to consult us.
3. How to Properly Manage Light for Mushrooms
1）Fixed Duration
Provide a consistent amount of light at set intervals to establish a stable growth cycle. You can use a timer to control a grow lamp for plants, ensuring consistent light exposure every day.
2）Consider Other Environmental Factors
In addition to light, other factors such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation are crucial for optimal mushroom growth. Good light management should align with these conditions to create the ideal growth environment.
3）Control Light Intensity
Choose a light source with moderate intensity to avoid being too strong or too weak. You can use shading cloth or adjust the distance of the light to control intensity.
For indoor growing, natural diffused light is ideal. However, if the lighting in your home is insufficient, using a led grow lamp is an excellent alternative. Low-intensity LED grow lights not only mimic natural light but also prevent mushrooms from being exposed to excess heat or radiation.
Conclusion
While mushrooms don’t rely on photosynthesis like plants, managing light properly at different stages directly impacts their growth quality. From the "dark phase" during the spore stage to "weak light support" during the mycelium stage, and finally to "moderate light exposure" for the fruiting body stage, adjusting light at each phase is essential. Mastering these light requirements will help you grow perfectly shaped mushrooms with ease.
FAQ
1. What conditions are needed to grow mushrooms?
1）Suitable temperature (10°C-25°C)
2）High humidity (85%-95%)
3）Organic-rich substrate, such as straw, wood, or corn cobs.
4）Good ventilation.
2. Do mushrooms grow in light or darkness?
Mushrooms grow better in dark or low-light environments.
3. Do I need grow lights to grow mushrooms?
If the lighting at home is not good, you can use a grow light to grow mushrooms. The wattage needs to be lower and the light does not need to be too strong. A small amount of light can promote the growth and development of mushrooms.
