Top 2 problems growing Oyster mushrooms: Stalling and Dormancy

Troubleshooting mushroom growing problems.

If you’re having problems growing mushrooms, it’s important to remember that we are dealing with nature so it may not go as expected. Even when following the instructions, there are many subtle variables that can have a profound effect. This is why many of our tips are focused on helping you develop an understanding of what the mushrooms are looking for. It’s about developing the “technique”.

In many cases, patience is often a good option. Nature will inevitably kick in, perhaps blessing us with more favourable spring or autumn-like conditions. However, once you learn the techniques you can encourage them by providing them with what they are looking for.

Also note, that you may experience both of these conditions together. This would be indicative that you have not selected a good spot.

1) Pin-set stalling and drying up

This is the number one issue people have and it’s often only on the first harvest while learning the ropes.

• Generally, this is more of an issue for the Pinks because they’re tropical mushrooms, but can also affect the Greys.
• Once it has stalled, it cannot be recovered.
• The tiny mushrooms are most vulnerable in the first 12 hours, but it may happen at any stage. They will just stop growing, dry up and deteriorate quickly. Often turning yellow.
• It is caused by a lack of humidity. Humidity will be different in different parts of the country,  from house to house, or even the location within your home, on different days, and even at different times of the day. So, in terms of misting and seeking out better locations, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Rule of thumb: if it’s in a location where you think damp laundry would easily dry, then that’s not a good location. See section on humidity & misting.

See our in-depth article about managing humidity for mushrooms.

Here’s what stalling looks like

These are just examples, your’s may look different.

What to do if your mushroom stalls

If it stalls, it’s not a big problem, it’s just the mushrooms’ way of saving itself for another day and telling you that you need to find a more suitable location or step up your misting. To get it ready to grow again, simply follow the directions in Post Harvest Care to prepare it for the next attempt.

2) Dormancy: failing to pin after 4 weeks.

If your mushroom kit has not started to pin after about 4 weeks it may have gone dormant. This can happen at any time of the year but is more common in summer and the middle of winter. It is caused by a lack of temperature fluctuation.

Generally, the bag will look very well colonised (often very white) as the conditions are favouring the mycelium to grow. It may also develop dark brown patches, which can be a sign that it’s starting to get stressed. The mushrooms are simply waiting for a wider variation in temperature, especially fluctuation in daytime/nighttime temperature. So, being inside a well-insulated house it may not feel the fluctuation.

What to do if your grow kit is dormant

It’s usually a simple fix, just leave it outside for a few days.

• Put it in a shady and shelters spot. Optimally a little damp. So, next to the water tap on the shade side of the house may work. One of our customers put it inside an open cardboard box, with the opening on the side (This allows better airflow, but a few holes may also help.) With a hose, she kept the box wet during the day.
• Keep an eye on it, as soon as it starts pinning bring it back in and get your humidity up (see links above).
• Be on the lookout for fungus gnats or little black fruit-fly-looking things. If you see them bring it back inside. Here is a link to an article on Mushroom Pests.
  

Leave it outside for at least 4 days, if there is still no action let us know as there may be something else wrong.