Growing mushrooms, such as shimeji and shiitake, at home is an accessible practice that turns cultivation into a sensory and productive experience
Submitted at Apr 30, 2026, 10:00 AM
(Unplash/Divulgação)
Growing mushrooms at home involves a kind of care different from that dedicated to ornamental plants. Instead of direct light and frequent watering, species like shimeji and shiitake develop better in controlled projects, with low light and balanced humidity levels. This change in needs makes the cultivation closer to a process of observation than to constant intervention.
(Unplash/Divulgação)
At the same time, growing mushrooms allows you to follow a fast, visible cycle, in which growth happens in a few days when conditions are right. This characteristic turns cultivation into a practice that combines attention to detail and near-immediate return – connecting the domestic project to a new productive dynamic.
Before starting, it is important to understand that mushrooms are not plants, but fungi. This means they do not perform photosynthesis and depend on organic matter to develop. In the case of shimeji and shiitake, this growth occurs from specific substrates, such as treated sawdust or ready-to-grow blocks.
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For those who want to grow mushrooms at home, ready-made kits are one of the most accessible ways to start. They already come inoculated with the mycelium — the structure responsible for the fungus’s growth — and require "only" adequate conditions of humidity, temperature and ventilation to start production.
The project is a determining factor in successfully growing mushrooms. Shimeji and shiitake prefer places with little direct light, mild temperatures (generally between 15 °C and 25 °C) and constant humidity. Projects such as kitchens, service areas or protected corners of the home usually work well.
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Humidity is especially important in this process. Spraying water around the substrate, without soaking it, helps maintain the microclimate needed for mushroom development. At the same time, a light air circulation prevents excessive humidity buildup, which can compromise cultivation.
The process of growing mushrooms at home can be simple when carried out with attention to the basic steps. They are:
For shimeji and shiitake, the most commonly used substrate is based on wood sawdust (such as eucalyptus) mixed with nutritious brans, such as wheat or rice. This material needs to be sterilized before use to avoid contamination. In ready-made kits, this process is already done: just open the package or make small cuts to start cultivation.
Humidity should be constant, without soaking. Ideally, spray water 1 to 2 times a day, keeping the substrate moist to the touch but without water buildup. Enclosed projects and with little direct light help maintain this balance and favor mushroom development.
After starting cultivation, the first pins usually appear between 5 and 10 days. From that moment, growth is fast and can be monitored daily. Temperatures between 15 °C and 25 °C help speed up the process and ensure better results.
The ideal point varies according to the species. Shimeji should be harvested in compact clusters, with caps still closed. Shiitake is ready when it reaches about 5 to 8 cm, with slightly curved edges. Removal should be done with a cut at the base or gentle twist, preserving the substrate.
After the first harvest, the substrate can continue producing for a few more cycles. For this, it is important to maintain the same care with humidity and project. In some cases, a rest period may be necessary before new mushrooms develop.
(Freepik/Divulgação)
Even with production limited over time, growing mushrooms lets you enjoy different cycles at home, observing how the substrate reacts at each stage.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Milena Garcia.
