PACK PLEUROTUS: PACKAGE COMPOSED OF 2 SUBSTRATES
This composition will allow you to try your hand at cultivating two different mushrooms: the Polmonarius for beginners and then move on to the next step, which is the cultivation of the Cardoncello, for the more experienced.
Pleurotus Polmonarius: cultivation requirements
Temperature: 27°C for mycelium growth, 18-27°C for fruiting
Humidity: 95-100% during colonization, 85-90% during fruiting
Pleurotus Eryngii: cultivation requirements
Temperature: 20-28°C for mycelium growth, 15-20°C for fruiting
Humidity: 90-95% during colonization, 80-85% during fruiting
Tips
- Growth stages: most mushrooms have two main growth stages: substrate colonization by the mycelium and fruiting (production of fruiting bodies). These stages often require slightly different conditions.
- Ventilation: in addition to temperature and humidity, proper ventilation is crucial, especially during the fruiting stage. It helps prevent the formation of unwanted molds and bacteria and stimulates the formation of fruiting bodies.
- Substrate: the type and quality of the substrate significantly influence growth. Each species has specific substrate preferences.
- Light: although mushrooms do not perform photosynthesis, many species require a certain amount of light to stimulate fruiting and determine the direction of growth. In this context, the Grow Box with its lighting bodies is useful for cultivation!
- pH: the pH of the substrate is another important factor. Most mushrooms prefer a slightly acidic environment, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In the case of a ready-to-use substrate like this, it is not an element you need to worry about as the product is already mixed and inoculated!
- Thermal shock: thermal shock can create problems in mycelium propagation or fruiting, generating molds and contaminants in the substrate, on primordia, or on the mushrooms themselves. Only some species, like Shiitake, benefit from thermal shock (temporary exposure to lower temperatures) to stimulate fruiting.
- Humidity cycles: some growers practice humidity cycles, alternating periods of high humidity with periods of slight drying, to stimulate the production of fruiting bodies. In this case, it will be sufficient to monitor the tray and the display. If the temperature rises excessively and the humidity drops below a certain threshold, it is recommended to temporarily turn off the lights.
- Contaminations: controlling temperature and humidity is also essential to prevent the growth of contaminating organisms such as molds and bacteria. If yellow spots or yellow liquid appear on the substrate, it means that the mushroom has come into contact with a contaminant and is reacting by producing an antibiotic substance (the liquid).
- Adaptation: fungal species can slightly adapt to conditions different from the optimal ones, but this can affect the yield and quality of the fruiting bodies.
- Constant monitoring: given the sensitivity of mushrooms to environmental conditions, constant and precise monitoring of temperature and humidity throughout the growth cycle is essential. Since the grow box is not only a cultivation tool but also a piece of furniture, you can always keep your mushrooms under surveillance comfortably in your living room!
