How to Build a Terrarium to Pleurotus Ostreatus
Of the many mushrooms varieties available, Pleurotus ostreatus, better known as oyster mushrooms, are the easiest mushrooms to cultivate inside. Simply named because their texture and taste resembles that of an oyster, Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms can grow in a glass terrarium with ease. Terrariums enclosed glass containers which keep a self-sustaining ecosystem that normally takes no human interruption. This environment stays consistently humid, which makes it ideal for growing mushrooms. Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms will likely produce in periods over the course of several months, expanding an endless supply of fresh mushrooms with very little work. Harvest Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms after their cap is fully open and separated from the stem.
Select a crystal clear glass container to construct the terrarium in. Proper containers comprise fish aquariums, fish bowls, large vases or jars.
Wash the container with a one-part water and one-part bleach solution to sterilize and eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria.
Place a 1/2-inch even layer of pea gravel in the bottom of the container for drainage.
Add a 1/4-inch layer of activated charcoal above the pea gravel. This can help to keep the air fresh from the terrarium.
Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of sawdust evenly covering the pea gravel and charcoal. The gravel, charcoal and sawdust shouldn’t take up more than one-third of the container. If sawdust is not available, straw is another favored growing medium for oyster mushrooms.
Transfer Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom spawn (mycelium) on top of the sawdust and mist lightly with water from a spray bottle. Mycelium, the origin of the mushroom, has the look of white thread-like fibers and can be purchased locally at most garden center.
Place the terrarium in a low light area and mist daily. Temperatures ought to be a consistent 75 degrees Fahrenheit for the spawn to produce mushrooms. It is not uncommon to see mushroom development in as few as 14 days.