Questions and Answers!

Fungi terms.

  • Fungi don’t make their own food like plants do. Instead, they absorb nutrients from their environment, making them more similar to animals. They grow as fine threads called hyphae, which form a network (mycelium) that breaks down organic matter and supports ecosystems.

  • Mycelium is the main body of the fungus - a root-like network that lives within soil, wood, or substrate. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies - they appear when conditions are right (fresh air, humidity, moisture, low light). All mushrooms come from mycelium, but not all fungi produce mushrooms.

    Inside your grow bag, the white structure you see is mycelium that has already colonised the substrate.

  • Spores are to fungi what seeds are to plants - but much smaller, simpler, and more resilient. They are microscopic and released from the underside of mushrooms. Carried by gentle air currents, spores land in new environments. If conditions are right, they grow into mycelium and the cycle begins again.

Grow Kit / Substrate.

  • Our mushroom grow kits are a home-friendly version of a forest log in decomposition. They’re made from hydrated sawdust and soybean hulls - both sustainable, repurposed waste products from other industries.

    Each kit has been fully colonised with your chosen mycelium, forming a living network ready to grow. The mycelium is now “bursting at the seams,” eager to fruit and give you fresh, home grown mushrooms.

  • Unopened kits can be kept in the fridge for up to two months, but for best results, it’s ideal to start them as soon as possible. Pink Oyster varieties don’t like the cold and should be opened right away.

  • No - it’s mycelium, and it’s exactly what you want to see. The white growth means the substrate has been successfully colonised and is ready to fruit. It’s not infectious and poses no risk when handled as instructed.

  • You may get a second flush if you keep the humidity high and continue misting. For best results, cover the old slice, rotate the bag, and let a fresh side fruit. Soaking the bag overnight can also help rehydrate it. (Results depend on the mushroom variety.)

    Once the substrate is spent, it becomes green waste. Break it up and add it to your compost or garden - fungi love returning to the earth. The plastic bag can be disposed of in your household rubbish.

  • Oyster mushrooms usually start pinning (begging of the fruiting process) 5–7 days after activation, depending on temperature, humidity, and airflow. With the right conditions, your first harvest should be ready in around two weeks.

    If after three weeks there’s still no growth, send us a photo and message hello@mycelia-house.com and we’ll help you troubleshoot.

  • This is usually excess spores or dried mycelium. Just wipe the area clean, make sure there’s good airflow, and try to harvest a little earlier next time.

  • No. All Mycelia House substrates are edible oyster mushroom varieties when grown and harvested as instructed.

Mycelia House

  • Oyster mushrooms usually start pinning (begging of the fruiting process) 5–7 days after activation, depending on temperature, humidity, and airflow. With the right conditions, your first harvest should be ready in around two weeks.

    If after three weeks there’s still no growth, send us a photo and message hello@mycelia-house.com and we’ll help you troubleshoot.

  • A single grow bag typically yields enough mushrooms for 1–2 people as a main dish, or more if served as a side. Yield can vary depending on variety and growing conditions.
    With a little care, most kits will produce around half a kilo in the first flush, with smaller harvests from subsequent flushes.

  • Oyster mushrooms are ready to pick when the edges of the largest caps start to uncurl, but before they flatten or ruffle. For Lion’s Mane, harvest when the tiny spines reach about 3 mm in length - fluffy and soft, but not yet shaggy.

    Tip: Harvest gently by twisting or cutting at the base. Picking at the right time ensures the best flavour, texture, and encourages a second flush of mushrooms.

    Refer to the images on [this page] to see the fruiting stages.

  • No. We breathe in fungal spores every day - they’re a natural part of our environment. Healthy immune systems manage them without issue.

    Growing oyster mushrooms at home does not create mould problems when cared for properly.

    Mould concerns:

    Isolated portions of black or green mould aren’t disastrous and won’t prohibit mushroom development. Just ensure the harvested mushrooms are free from contamination. Alternatively, if the mould covers a significant portion of the cut area, tape up the opening and start again from the clean face.

  •  The most common reasons are:

    • Too little humidity

    • Not enough fresh air

    What to do:

    Mushrooms need moisture but not stagnant air. Mist the kit more often and make sure there’s gentle airflow, like from an open window.

  • For now, stick to oyster varieties, especially side-fruiting types. We’ve also had success with some top-fruiting oysters and enoki.

    More species and setups are coming soon.

Other

  • Send us a message, we’re happy to support you - email hello@mycelia-house.com

Before you begin.

  • No. Oyster mushrooms and our curated varieties are considered the easiest varieties to grow, and Mycelia House needs no extra equipment beyond a spray bottle.

  • Pinning usually starts 5–7 days after activation. First harvest is typically ready around two weeks in.

  • No, natural light is enough. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heating or air conditioning.

What’s waiting for you.

  • The ceramic vessel, lid, and tray. Substrate is sold separately, supplied ready to fruit.

  • Yes, it's designed for city living and small spaces, with no permanent setup required.

  • A single grow bag typically yields around 250g, enough for one person as a main, or more as a side. A second flush is often possible with continued care.

  • Just the substrate (sold separately) and a spray bottle. Everything else is included.