Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms indoors is a rewarding experience, and it’s much easier than you might think.

The unique look and medicinal benefits of these mushrooms make them a popular choice for home growers.

When I first started growing Lion’s Mane, I was fascinated by how simple the process is if you follow the right steps.

I’ll take you through everything you need to know—from preparing the substrate to harvesting your first crop, and I’ll also share some tips from my personal experience along the way.

Why Grow Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is known for its unique appearance, resembling a fluffy white mane, and for its cognitive and neurological benefits.

Studies suggest that Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain compounds that may promote nerve growth and improve cognitive function.

In fact, research has shown that these mushrooms may have potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients, aiding memory and reducing cognitive decline.

That’s what initially attracted me to this mushroom—it wasn’t just about growing something delicious, but something potentially beneficial for brain health too.

Plus, it’s a gourmet mushroom with a delicate seafood-like taste, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we dive into the details, let’s go over the materials you’ll need. The first time I tried growing Lion’s Mane indoors, I made sure to gather everything in advance. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Substrate: Hardwood sawdust or supplemented sawdust blocks (you can also use pre-made grow kits if you’re a beginner).
• Spawn: Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn, which can be purchased from a reputable supplier.
• Grow bag: A breathable grow bag that allows air exchange while keeping the environment sterile.
• Humidifier: To maintain high humidity levels during fruiting.
• Spray bottle: To mist the substrate and keep the humidity up.
• Sterile gloves: To prevent contamination during the inoculation process.
• Thermometer and hygrometer: To monitor temperature and humidity in the grow area.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Indoors

Step 1: Prepare the Substrate

The substrate acts as the food for the mushrooms.

Lion’s Mane prefers hardwood-based substrates, so I used hardwood sawdust supplemented with bran to add extra nutrients.

You can either mix your own substrate or purchase pre-made supplemented sawdust blocks.

The key is to pasteurize the substrate to eliminate any contaminants.

When I started, I used a pressure cooker to sterilize my substrate, heating it to 121°C (250°F) for 90 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent contamination.

Step 2: Inoculate the Substrate with Spawn

Once the substrate has cooled down, it’s time to inoculate it with Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn.
I used sterile gloves during this step to avoid introducing any contaminants.

Open the grow bag, break up the spawn, and evenly mix it into the substrate. Seal the bag, leaving the filter patch exposed to allow for proper air exchange.

Step 3: Incubation and Colonization

After inoculating the substrate, the next step is incubation.

Store the grow bag in a warm, dark place with a temperature between 20°C and 24°C (68°F to 75°F).

During this stage, the mycelium will colonize the substrate.
This process typically takes about 2-3 weeks.

You’ll notice white, fluffy mycelium spreading throughout the sawdust, which is a good sign that colonization is going well.

During this time, it’s important to avoid opening the bag, as exposure to contaminants can ruin the batch.

Step 4: Introducing Fresh Air and Light

Once the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time to introduce fresh air and light to trigger fruiting. Lion’s Mane mushrooms require high humidity (around 85-90%) and indirect light to start forming fruiting bodies.

I used a humidifier in my grow room to maintain the right humidity levels, and I misted the inside of the grow bag daily with a spray bottle.

This is the exciting part because, within a week or so, you’ll start seeing the beginnings of small mushrooms forming, known as pins.

Step 5: Fruiting Stage

Once the mushrooms start pinning, the fruiting process accelerates quickly.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms will grow rapidly in the right conditions, and you’ll need to keep an eye on humidity levels.

I made sure to keep the grow area well-ventilated but not too dry. Within 1-2 weeks, the small pins will grow into large, fluffy mushrooms. They grow fast, so you’ll need to check on them regularly.

Step 6: Harvesting

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are ready to harvest when their spines (the fluffy tendrils) are fully elongated but before they start turning brown or drying out.

I gently twisted the mushrooms off the substrate at their base.

It’s best to harvest them before they start to drop spores to preserve their delicate flavor and texture.

The entire process from inoculation to harvest typically takes about 4-5 weeks.

However, with proper care, you can often get multiple flushes (harvests) from the same grow bag.

Best Practices for Growing Lion’s Mane Indoors

• Maintain High Humidity: During the fruiting stage, maintaining 85-90% humidity is essential for healthy mushroom growth. I found that using a humidifier in the grow area was the easiest way to keep humidity levels consistent.
• Monitor Temperature: Lion’s Mane mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures during fruiting, between 16°C and 21°C (60°F to 70°F). Too much heat can slow their growth or cause them to dry out prematurely.
• Ventilation: While high humidity is important, you also need to ensure proper airflow to prevent mold. I used a small fan in the room to keep the air circulating, which helped avoid any moisture buildup that could lead to contamination.
• Sterility: Contamination can easily ruin a batch, so it’s essential to work in a sterile environment when inoculating the substrate. I always use sterile gloves and tools and make sure the workspace is clean.

Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

One of the reasons I was so interested in growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms is their potential health benefits.

Several studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may promote nerve growth and protect against cognitive decline.

One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may improve cognitive function and help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults.

Another study in Biomedical Research highlighted its neuroprotective effects, suggesting it may be helpful for those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

In addition to its brain-boosting properties, Lion’s Mane is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a powerful addition to any diet.

I’ve incorporated Lion’s Mane into my meals for both its health benefits and its seafood-like flavor, which pairs well with various dishes.

The easiest way to take Lions mane is as a supplement.

Pro tip: Did you know that you can easily integrate Lion`s Mane into your daily routine to see the huge health benefits of this medical mushroom.

You can easily integrate this into your diet by taking it in powder form in your smoothies, capsules or Lion`s Mane gummies.
Try it for you and your pet to see the health benefits it brings.

Personal Experience and Tips

When I first started growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms, I was a little intimidated by the process, especially since they’re known for their unique growth requirements.

However, after my first successful harvest, I realized that as long as you maintain a clean environment and monitor humidity and temperature closely, the process is fairly straightforward.

One challenge I faced was keeping the humidity levels high enough during the fruiting stage.

My initial setup was too dry, and the mushrooms started to dry out before they fully matured.
To fix this, I added a humidifier and started misting more frequently, which made a big difference in the quality of the mushrooms.

Another tip I’d offer is to be patient during the incubation stage. It can be tempting to open the bag and check on the progress, but doing so can introduce contaminants that could spoil the batch.

Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of Lion’s Mane mushrooms.