Humidity plays a crucial role in growing edible mushrooms, and it’s essential to maintain proper levels for optimal growth. Too much or too little moisture can lead to stunted growth, contamination, mold, or even death of the fungus.
To create a suitable mushroom-growing environment, you’ll need to maintain humidity levels between 80-95% RH (relative humidity). This range replicates the conditions of a natural forest floor and encourages rapid and healthy growth of the mushrooms.
For example, our strain of Lion’s Mane mushrooms prefer a cooler temperature range, between 55-65°F (13-18°C), and they also require high humidity levels, around 85-95% RH, to encourage healthy growth. In terms of light, Lion’s Mane mushrooms do not require direct sunlight but will benefit from indirect natural light or artificial light sources.
One way to achieve optimal humidity levels for your mushrooms is to mist them regularly with a spray bottle filled with clean water. Watering your mushrooms this way ensures that the moisture is absorbed evenly, and the substrate (growing medium) is not flooded, which could lead to contamination.
Another essential aspect of maintaining proper humidity levels is ventilation. Fresh air helps prevent stagnation that can lead to an overgrowth of contaminants such as molds, mildews, and bacteria. It also helps maintain healthy oxygen levels, which is critical for the growth and development of your mushrooms.
If you’re growing your mushrooms indoors, we recommend investing in a humidifier to achieve and maintain the desired level of humidity. A humidifier can help you maintain proper humidity levels without having to worry too much about manual intervention, which can be time-consuming.
In conclusion, the ideal relative humidity for growing mushrooms depends on the variety of mushroom and your growing location. Regardless of your specific situation, keeping your humidity levels within the optimal range is essential for the success of your mushroom-growing endeavors. Happy growing!