Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a saprotrophic fungus that feeds on dead hardwood, cultivated worldwide on straw and other lignocellulose waste for its mild, savory fruiting bodies.1
Inputs
- Lignocellulose substrate: wheat straw is the standard choice, but rice stalks, corn cobs, coffee grounds, cotton pulp, peanut shells, banana/plantain leaves, and paper all work.1
- Spawn run (incubation): 24-25°C (75-77°F), dark, 80-90% relative humidity, 2-3 weeks.1
- Fruiting: a drop to about 20°C (68°F), plus light and 90% relative humidity, triggers fruiting; a bag produces an initial flush plus 2-4 more.1