Beginner’s Showdown: Oyster vs. Lion’s Mane vs. Psilocybe Cultivation

If you can keep a houseplant alive, you can probably grow mushrooms—provided you pick the right species and give them the climate they crave. Today we’re pitting three cult-classics against each other to see which one deserves the coveted spot in your very first fruiting chamber.

Species Breakdown: Key Traits of Oyster, Lion’s Mane & Psilocybe cubensis

Species	Why Grow It?	Fast Facts
Oyster (Pleurotus spp.)	Colonises in days; devours coffee grounds, straw, even cardboard.	Fruiting blocks can pump out 2 lb across three flushes. Fungi Ally
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)	Snow-white pom-poms packed with brain-boosting hericenones; gourmet price tag.	Prefers cool-and-humid “forest floor” conditions. myceliumsociety.com
Psilocybe cubensis	Legendary microscopy subject; vigorous rhizomorphic growth.	Denver Spore Company sells spores strictly for microscopy and taxonomy.

Ideal Growing Conditions: Temperature, Humidity & Substrate Must-Haves

●      Oyster: 62 – 68 °F and 85 – 90 % RH on pasteurised straw or hardwood pellets. Fungi Ally

●      Lion’s Mane: 60 – 70 °F and 90 – 95 % RH on supplemented sawdust blocks. myceliumsociety.com

●      P. cubensis: Colonise at 75 – 80 °F, then fruit at 70 – 75 °F with 90 – 95 % RH on BRF cakes or manure. mars-hydro.com

Pro tip: Fresh-air exchange is the underrated variable. Too much CO₂ and Lion’s Mane turns shaggy, oysters get leggy, and cubensis stalls entirely.

Ease of Cultivation: Which Mushroom Is Most Beginner-Friendly?

1. Oyster – Easiest. Forgives sloppy technique and out-paces contaminants.

2. Lion’s Mane – Moderate. Needs good airflow, but pre-colonised bags make it a tame house-guest. Urban Farm-It

3. Cubensis – Tricky. Not genetically stubborn, just demands lab-level sterility (and carries legal caveats).

   
   

Experienced growers joke that oysters are the house-cats of fungi—low-maintenance and friendly—while cubensis behaves more like an exotic aquarium fish: gorgeous, but unforgiving of sloppy water-changes.

Maximising Yields: Harvest Timing & Post-Harvest Care

●      Oyster: Cut as soon as caps flatten or risk a spore-bomb in your grow tent.

●      Lion’s Mane: Harvest when spines hit ~¼ inch—longer spines = bitter flavour.

●      Cubensis: Pick the moment veils tear to keep prints clean and alkaloid-rich. Cornell Small Farms

Quick-hit tips

●      Refrigerate edibles in paper bags to prevent soggy caps.

●      Dunk spent blocks 12–24 h for a strong second flush.

●      Store microscopy syringes upright in a dark fridge.

FAQ

Do I need lab-grade gear to start?

Not for oysters. A pressure-cooker, a clear tote (a “monotub”) and basic hygiene cover 90 % of the work. Lion’s Mane benefits from a still-air box; cubensis practically requires one.

Is cubensis cultivation legal in Colorado?

Possessing spores is legal statewide, but fruiting psilocybin mushrooms remains federally illegal. Always confirm local statutes before colonising anything. Colorado Public Radio

Ready to dive in? Grab a microscopy-only cubensis syringe or a fast-fruiting oyster kit from Denver Spore Company, then follow the free video walkthroughs at DenverSporeGrow.com. While you’re there, bookmark our upcoming Beginner Sterilisation Guide so contamination never steals your thunder.

Disclaimer

Denver Spore Company spores are sold exclusively for microscopy and taxonomic research. They are not for human consumption. Orders suggesting cultivation intent will be cancelled and refunded.