Optimizing Mushroom Growth with LED Lights

If you’re interested in growing mushrooms at home, you may be wondering what the best lighting method is for your mushroom cultivation project.

In fact, many mushroom growers prefer using LED lights as they offer several advantages over traditional lighting methods.

The Takeaway

• The most recommended type of light for mushroom cultivation is LED light, due to its advantages in terms of energy efficiency, lifetime, heat emission and dimming.

Best Light For Growing Mushrooms

The most recommended type of light for growing mushrooms is LED light.

LED lights have several advantages over other types of lighting, such as fluorescent or incandescent.

Among them, the following stand out:

• Energy efficient, which allows us to save on our electricity bill and reduce our environmental impact.
• They have a longer useful life, which saves us from having to change them frequently and generates less waste.
• Emit less heat, which prevents overheating of the crop and reduces the risk of contamination by pathogenic fungi or bacteria.
• They allow to regulate the intensity, duration and spectrum of the light, which gives us more control over the growing conditions.

What Intensity And Duration?

The intensity and duration of the light depends on the type of fungus we want to grow and the stage it is in. In general, we recommend a low to moderate intensity, between 500 and 2000 lux, and a duration between 8 and 12 hours per day.

Too high an intensity or too long a duration can inhibit fruiting or cause deformation of the fruiting bodies.

What Spectrum And Color?

The spectrum and color of the light also vary according to the type of fungus.

For example, oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) prefer blue light (400-500 nm), while mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) prefer red light (600-700 nm).

Other mushrooms, such as shiitake (Lentinula edodes) or reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), are indifferent to the color of light and adapt to any spectrum.

We can also use multispectral LED lights, which allow us to combine different wavelengths and create the ideal lighting environment for our mushrooms.

Table With Light Preferences For Popular Mushrooms

Mushroom	Description	Light Intensity	Light Spectrum
Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)	It is the most cultivated and consumed mushroom in the world. It adapts well to different light conditions but prefers low intensity (between 100 and 500 lux) and a blue spectrum (between 400 and 500 nm). Blue stimulates the formation of caps and prevents them from opening too much.	Low	Blue (400-500 nm)
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)	It is the second most cultivated and consumed mushroom in the world. It is native to Asia, where it grows on deciduous tree trunks. It needs medium intensity (between 500 and 1000 lux) and a red spectrum (between 600 and 700 nm). Red promotes the vertical growth of stems and the development of caps.	Medium	Red (600-700 nm)
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)	It is a very versatile and resistant mushroom that can grow on various organic substrates. It is not very demanding in terms of light but prefers high intensity (between 1000 and 2000 lux) and a green spectrum (between 500 and 600 nm). Green induces the formation of clusters of fan-shaped mushrooms.	High	Green (500-600 nm)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)	It is a highly valued medicinal mushroom for its health benefits. It is native to Asia, where it grows on evergreen tree trunks. It requires very low intensity (less than 100 lux) and a yellow spectrum (between 550 and 600 nm). Yellow stimulates spore production and the formation of fruiting bodies with a shelf-like shape.	Very Low	Yellow (550-600 nm)

Best Led Lights For Growing Mushrooms

Not all LED lights are the same. There are different models and brands.

How do we know which is the best option for our mushroom cultivation?

To make it easier for you, I am going to recommend some LED lights that I consider to be good options for growing mushrooms. These are:

Roleadro 75W Full Spectrum LED light

This LED light has a full spectrum that includes red, blue, white, infrared and ultraviolet colors.

1. Suitable for growing different types of mushrooms, as you can adjust the intensity and color of the light according to the preferences of each species.
2. It has a compact and lightweight design, which facilitates its installation and mobility.
3. It has a power of 75W and an energy consumption of 25W. It has an affordable price and a good quality-price ratio.

Relassy 150W Sunlike Full Spectrum COB LED Grow Light

This LED light has a spectrum similar to natural sunlight, which favors the growth and fruiting of mushrooms.

1. Power output is 150W and energy consumption is 50W.
2. It has a robust design, with an integrated heat sink that prevents overheating.
3. Has an adjustable lighting angle of 180 degrees, which allows it to be adapted to the size and shape of the crop. Affordable price and good quality.

Phlizon Newest 600W LED Plant Grow Light with Thermometer Humidity Monitor

This LED light has a dual spectrum that combines red and blue colors, which are the most important for fungus fruiting.

1. The power output is 600W and the energy consumption is 108W.
2. It has a modern and functional design, with a silent fan that maintains the optimal temperature of the crop.
3. Includes a thermometer and a hygrometer that allow to control the humidity and temperature of the environment.
4. It has a competitive price and a good warranty.

These are just some of the LED lights that can be used to grow mushrooms.

There are many more options on the market, which can be equally or more valid than the ones I have mentioned.

The important thing is to be well informed and choose the LED light that best suits your mushroom cultivation.

When to Use LED Lights in Your Mushroom Cultivation at Home

Mushroom grow lights can be used in various stages of mushroom cultivation, from the initial growth stage to the fruiting stage.

Here are some specific situations where LED lights can be helpful in mushroom cultivation:

During Spawn Run

The spawn run is the initial stage of mushroom growth when mycelium is spreading through the substrate.

LED lights can be used during this stage to promote even growth and prevent the substrate from drying out.

During Fruiting

Mushroom grow lights are essential during the fruiting stage, where they help to initiate pinning and promote the growth of fruiting bodies.

By providing the proper spectrum and light intensity, you can help to ensure that your mushrooms develop properly and yield a bountiful crop.

In Low-Light Environments

In low-light environments, such as basements or rooms with minimal natural daylight, LED lights can be used to provide the necessary light for mushroom growth.

This can be particularly helpful in areas where sunlight is limited, allowing you to grow mushrooms year-round regardless of the weather.

For Specific Mushroom Types

Different mushroom varieties have varying light requirements.

For example, some mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and lion’s mane mushrooms, require more blue light to grow.

Meanwhile, other mushrooms like button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms require more red light.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LED lights are an excellent choice for growing mushrooms at home and can be used in various stages of mushroom cultivation to promote even growth, initiate pinning, and encourage the development of fruiting bodies.

By understanding when and how to use mushroom grow lights in your mushroom cultivation, you can create the ideal environment for mushroom growth and enjoy a successful harvest.