Frequently Asked Questions

It's best to start using your mushroom grow kit as soon as you get it, but we understand that that might not always be possible, like if you're giving it as a gift or if you’ll be away.

For Pink Oyster grow kits: We highly recommend starting these kits as soon as you have received it as they do not store well and can't be stored in the fridge.

For storing other kits, choose a Gold Oyster or Lion's Mane variety, as they can last multiple months. Most kits can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 months. Keep the kit in the fridge to hibernate the mycelium and prevent premature growth. Avoid temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, and never leave the kit in a hot car or direct sunlight, as heat can kill the mycelium.

Ideal growing conditions vary for each grow kit, but there are some general rules to improve your harvests.

Note:
Remember to check the side of your grow kit box for the best growing temperature for the mushroom variety you have. These temperatures are also listed on the product page of each kit on our website.

As a general rule, the warmer the temperature the faster the mushroom growth.

If it is cold, your mushrooms will grow slowly. Extreme heat and extreme cold can adversely affect and even entirely prevent mushroom growth. 

If you live in a warm climate we recommend choosing a grow kit that can cope with the warmer temperatures, such as our Pink Oyster Grow Kit.

For humidity, we recommend 75% - 90% humidity.

Mushrooms grow best in cool, damp areas of the forest that offer protection from the weather. To mimic this at home, consider finding a similar spot at home. Many suggest using a bathroom due to its humidity from showers, but proper airflow is also essential as small spaces can limit oxygen (Mushrooms breath like us!).

We recommend placing your grow kit on the kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight. This makes it easy to check on your mushrooms daily and reminds you to spray them regularly to maintain humidity. Keep the kit away from wind and heaters, as that can dry it out. Air conditioning may also cause dryness, so mist your kit often if it’s in an air-conditioned room.

Be careful not to place your grow kit near to potted plants or soil, as these harbour other fungi, moulds and fungus gnats which can contaminate your kit.

Mushrooms are not plants. They are their own genus and don’t require water the same way as your house plants would.

Humidity is a key factor for successful mushroom growth. Spray the area around your kit with a few pumps of water whenever you have a chance, at least 2-3 times a day.

If you can see condensation underneath the plastic flaps of your X cut area, this is enough water. Too much water on the surface of the substrate can cause problems, such as increasing the risk of mould growth. If it's looking a little dry, increase your frequency of spraying. Continue to mist the air around your mushrooms as they grow to prevent them from drying out.

It's best to avoid missing a day of misting, but if necessary, you can create a micro-climate to maintain humidity. You can do this by wrapping a wet tea towel around the kit's base or placing the kit near a sink filled with water. Remember, we want it to be humid.

Why Does Mold Form?

Unfortunately, the same conditions that are perfect for growing mushrooms also appeal to other fungi, like mold – yuck!

Mold is more likely to appear in areas of the kit where the substrate (the growing material) is exposed and the white mycelium hasn’t fully colonized. This can happen due to factors like damage during transit, heat exposure, over-watering, or storing the kit for too long before use.

How to Prevent Mold Issues

Mold problems are rare with most grow kits, but here are some simple tips to keep your kit healthy:

1. Avoid Warm, Humid Weather
   Mold thrives in warm, humid environments, especially between 25–30°C (77–86°F). If you’re experiencing hot, humid weather, it’s more likely mold could develop. In these conditions, consider waiting to grow your mushrooms or placing the kit in a cooler, well-ventilated spot. Mushrooms grow best in temperatures between 16–20°C (61–68°F).
2. Keep Away from Soil and Plants
   Soil is full of mold spores, and indoor plants or potting mix can release these into the air. To reduce the risk, avoid placing your kit near plants, soil, or garden areas.
3. Clean Your Cutting Tool
   Before opening your kit, thoroughly clean your knife, scissors, or other cutting tool with hot soapy water. For an extra precaution, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), but don’t stress—hot soapy water works just fine!
4. Minimize Touching the Substrate or Plastic
   Here’s a fun fact: your hands are home to countless microbes, including mold spores. Wash your hands well before handling the kit, or avoid touching the substrate and plastic altogether to prevent transferring contaminants.
5. Avoid Over-Watering
   Your kit doesn’t need to stay soaking wet. Over-watering can damage the mycelium, leading to patchy growth and increased mold risk. As long as you see condensation on the plastic flaps, the kit has enough moisture. Misting is meant to create humidity for growth, not to water the mushrooms.
6. Start Your Kit Right Away
   For the best results, open your kit and begin growing as soon as it arrives. Storing it too long can weaken the mycelium, making it more susceptible to mold.

If Mold Develops

If you notice mold in your kit, check out our article How to Identify Contamination in Mushroom Growing for tips on what to do next.

Still need help? Send us a message, and we’ll assist you!

If your Lion's Mane turns yellow or brown, it could mean one (or two) things.

If your mushrooms are still relatively small, this discolouration can suggest that the kit is placed in an excessively dry environment or too close to a heat source. Try moving it or misting more.

If the mushrooms are larger and more matured, the yellowing indicates that it's time to harvest your kit, as growth has ceased.

To effectively avoid spores gathering on your kitchen counters or any other surfaces where you have placed the kit, it is advisable to place a tissue or a paper towel underneath the kit. This will help collect any falling spores, thereby keeping your kitchen tidy and minimizing any potential mess.

See our How To Grow page.

Once your mushroom kit has finished fruiting and it does not want to produce anymore mushrooms, remove the substrate from the plastic bag and either put it around your garden or indoor plants as mulch, or place in your compost or worm farm.

This "spent" substrate is still bound with mycelium and is great for your garden.