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Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are highly valued for their medicinal properties. These mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to their potential health benefits. If you're interested in growing your own Reishi mushrooms at home, follow these steps to ensure a successful cultivation process.
Understand What You Are Getting Into
Reishi colonizes quickly and is an easy mushroom to grow. However, it fruits very slowly, generally ranging from 3 months to a year. In production facilities, harvest is prolonged because the concentration of beneficial active ingredients intensifies the longer it remains hooked to the mycelium network.
Choose the Right Growing Environment
Reishi mushrooms thrive in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity levels. Ideally, the temperature should be between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and the humidity should be around 80-90%. You can achieve these conditions by using a grow tent or a greenhouse.
Select the Proper Substrate
Reishi mushrooms can be grown on a variety of substrates, including hardwood logs, sawdust, or wood chips. It's important to choose a substrate that is free from contaminants and has a high nutritional value. Hardwood logs are a popular choice as they provide a natural habitat for the mushrooms to grow. Our Supplemented Hardwood Blocks work wonderfully for Reishi.
Inoculate the Substrate
Once you have chosen your substrate, you need to inoculate it with Reishi mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is essentially a mixture of mycelium and a nutrient-rich medium. You can purchase Reishi mushroom grain spawn or liquid culture from us.
Maintain Proper Moisture Levels
Reishi mushrooms require consistent moisture levels to grow successfully. It's important to mist the substrate regularly to maintain the desired humidity. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to contamination and hinder mushroom growth. Reishi is especially susceptible to moisture rot, so try to keep the source medium blocks or logs dry and free from standing water.
Provide Adequate Ventilation
Proper air circulation is crucial for the growth of Reishi mushrooms. Make sure to provide adequate ventilation in your growing environment to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and promote the exchange of gases. This is very important for Reishi and it is a heavy CO2 producer.
Monitor and Manipulate
Reishi mushrooms can be uniquely manipulated into growing different directions based on how it is contained and where the light source is. You can even make you blocks make 90 degree turns by repositioning the block geometrically. Another fun fact is that you can force many Reishi species to grow in either a conk or antler by manipulating CO2 levels in the room. Higher CO2 levels in the room or environment will result in antler shaped formations, as opposed to conks which form better in oxygen rich or well ventilated areas.
Harvesting and Storage
Reishi mushrooms are typically ready for harvest when they reach their full size and develop a hard, woody texture. Carefully cut the mushrooms at the base using a sharp knife. After harvesting, store the mushrooms in a paper bag or airtight container in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow Reishi mushrooms at home and enjoy their numerous health benefits. Remember to always research and consult reliable sources for additional guidance on mushroom cultivation.