Wine Cap Mushroom Fruiting Conditions

The optimal fruiting temperature for Wine Cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) is between 55-60°F (13-15°C). This species is a cold-loving mushroom and does best in cooler temperatures. They can also tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), but temperatures above 70°F (21°C) can slow or stop fruiting.

The optimal relative humidity for Wine Cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) during fruiting is between 85-95%. High humidity is important for this species to maintain adequate moisture levels and prevent the formation of dry, inedible fruitbodies. Additionally, maintaining high humidity can also help prevent the growth of unwanted mold or bacteria that can compete with the mushrooms for resources.

Wine Cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) do not have specific requirements for carbon dioxide (CO2) levels during fruiting. They can fruit successfully in environments with normal atmospheric CO2 levels, which are typically around 400-450 ppm. However, it is important to maintain good air exchange in the fruiting environment to ensure that the mushrooms receive adequate levels of fresh air and CO2.

Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) is important for Wine Cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) during fruiting as it helps to regulate humidity levels, prevent buildup of harmful gases, and provide the mushrooms with adequate levels of oxygen for growth. A minimum of 1-2 exchanges of fresh air per hour is recommended during the fruiting phase. This can be achieved by using fans or other air exchange systems, or by simply opening the fruiting chamber to allow fresh air in and out. Over-exposure to fresh air can cause stress and slow down fruiting, so it is important to strike a balance between providing adequate FAE and avoiding drastic fluctuations in environmental conditions.

Wine Cap mushrooms (Stropharia rugosoannulata) do not have specific lighting requirements during fruiting. They are able to fruit successfully in environments with low light levels, including complete darkness. However, they can also benefit from exposure to light, which can stimulate fruiting and help regulate the length of the photoperiod. If using artificial light, a fluorescent bulb or LED grow light with a red/blue spectrum can be used to provide adequate light without creating too much heat or altering the temperature of the fruiting environment. Light levels can be kept low, around 20-50 lux, as long as the mushrooms receive enough FAE to maintain healthy growth.