Mushrooms grow in darkness because they rely on decomposing organic matter, which they transform into nutrients using their complex metabolism and their ability to absorb moisture from their environment.
Mushrooms do not have chlorophyll, the green pigment that plants use to convert light into energy. As a result, they do not need sunlight to feed: they obtain their energy by decomposing organic matter, such as dead wood or decaying leaves. Their organisms prefer shaded or dark areas, where humidity is high and light does not interfere with their development. In these calm conditions, their filaments called mycelium can quietly extend to absorb the nutrients necessary for their growth.
When mushrooms grow, darkness plays a crucial role: it promotes the development of mycelium, a network of underground filaments that forms the basis of the mushroom. At this stage, there is no need for sunlight like there is for plants, since, unlike them, mushrooms do not have chlorophyll, and therefore do not perform photosynthesis. Darkness also helps trigger the appearance of fruiting bodies, which are the visible part of the mushroom that emerges from the ground. Essentially, excessive light could completely disrupt their natural cycle. Thus, a dark corner is the best guarantee for seeing well-developed mushrooms emerge.
Fungi do not perform photosynthesis, so light is useless for them in finding energy. Worse still, for some species, intense or prolonged light slows their growth or hinders their development. Direct light can also cause physical changes in certain fungi: different colors, elongated or distorted stems. But be careful, this is not always negative! Some respond by producing useful substances, like vitamin D, when exposed to moderate light. The main point, however, is that most fungi clearly prefer darkness or very low light to grow effectively.
To grow mushrooms, controlling darkness is as important as proper watering. Closed rooms, warehouses, basements, or tunnels are often used specifically to maintain a dark environment. Producers install thick tarps or opaque curtains to ensure total darkness, as even a little light can slow down growth. Humidity and temperature are also closely monitored, but it is the absence of light that truly stimulates the formation of mushrooms. A well-darkened environment promotes optimal yield and better quality harvests.
Some mushrooms are particularly fond of shade and thrive better in the dark. This is the case with the famous Paris mushroom, typically grown in dark cellars, as it loves total darkness and the accompanying humid air. Similarly, the shiitake, well-known in Asian cuisine, grows on wood in low-light conditions, which are ideal for its development. There is also the oyster mushroom, which also greatly prefers the absence of direct light for optimal growth, always in a cool and slightly humid atmosphere. These mushrooms do not need sunlight to feed since they directly absorb nutrients from the substrate on which they grow; thus, darkness is truly their preferred environment.
Did you know that fungi are biologically closer to animals than to plants? They do not perform photosynthesis and obtain their energy by decomposing the organic matter around them.
The largest living organism on Earth is a colony of fungi called Armillaria ostoyae located in Oregon (United States), covering more than 8 square kilometers!
Although most fungi prefer darkness, a few rare species use light as a trigger to signal the right moment to produce their spores and thus reproduce.
The mycelium, an underground network of white filaments (hyphae), can continue to grow in secret and darkness for years before producing a visible mushroom.
No, it is not mandatory to grow mushrooms in total darkness. Generally, low light is perfectly sufficient; indirect and gentle light does not harm their growth, but it should remain moderate so as not to hinder their development.
Yes, some species tolerate light better than others. For example, the oyster mushroom grows well under low or indirect lighting, while others, like Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom), prefer darker conditions.
Cellars or basements generally provide an ideal environment for mushroom growth: darkness, high humidity, constant temperature, and lack of drafts are some of the factors that promote their development in these places.
Most mushrooms prefer a shaded or dark environment, as direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight quickly dries out their mycelium and inhibits their growth, compromising their optimal development.
No, mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and do not need it, unlike plants. It is precisely this absence that allows them to grow in complete darkness by feeding on existing organic matter rather than through photosynthesis.
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