Pleurotus ostreatus

The Pearl Oyster Mushroom, or Pleurotus ostreatus, is one of the most cultivated and accessible gourmet mushrooms worldwide, thriving in the temperate woodlands of the Northern Hemisphere. Naturally found growing in layered clusters on decaying hardwoods, this mushroom is named for its smooth, pale ivory to soft greyish-white cap, resembling a luminous pearl. First domesticated during World War I as a food staple in Germany, it has since become a cornerstone of home cultivation systems. The Livingseeds Pearl Oyster Mushroom System is designed specifically for South African conditions, providing an easy and reliable way to grow this exquisite mushroom at home.

With a mild, savoury flavour and velvety texture, Pearl Oyster Mushrooms are a chef’s favourite for their versatility. They absorb flavours readily and work beautifully in stir-fries, risottos, and creamy mushroom sauces. Rich in protein and antioxidants, they also contain lovastatin, a compound noted for supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Beyond the kitchen, Pearl Oysters are valued for their environmental benefits, including their ability to break down pollutants and even trap and digest nematodes in the soil.

Growing Pearl Oysters at home using our Mushroom System is straightforward and satisfying, containing everything you need:

Inoculated Mushroom Substrate in a Plastic Sleeve and Display Box

Humidity Tent

Sterile Alcohol Swab

Fine Mist Spray Bottle

The initial phase is the colonisation phase, and this groundwork is crucial to your success. Take note of the dates on your Grow System, this gives you the initial inoculation date and the date colonisation should be complete. You will know your system is ready to get growing once the substrate turns white with mycelium growth. If your substrate is already colonised, you can move on to the growing phase. If not, keep your system in the dark at a temperature between 21 and 27°C. This should not take longer than 21 days. 
Do not disturb your mushroom system in this phase, as premature exposure to fresh air and light can trigger early fruiting or dry out the substrate before the mycelium is established.

Once the substrate is fully colonised and is completely white, you can get started. Place your display box on a counter with sufficient light but not direct sunlight. The ideal temperature should be between 13 and 18°C, and the counter should be free of drafts. Remove the perforated window on the front of the box. Using the sterile swab, wipe the plastic and the blade that you will be using to prevent bacterial contamination. Cut an X approximately 5cm across into the plastic window, being careful not to cut into the substrate. Mist spray the plastic, place the humidity tent over the box, and mist spray inside it too. 

Mist the exposed area of the block twice daily using a spray bottle filled with clean water, keeping the surface damp but not soaked. Maintain indoor temperatures between 18 and 24 °C, and ensure relative humidity remains high, ideally between 80 and 90%. To help with humidity, loosely cover the display box with the clear humidity bag. Ensure there is adequate airflow by lifting the tent edge regularly or by cutting small ventilation holes in the humidity tent.

Within seven to ten days, small clusters of pearl-coloured pins will begin to form at the site of the slit. Continue misting regularly and maintaining the environmental conditions until the mushrooms reach 5-10cm in diameter, and harvest them just before the edges of the caps begin to flatten by gently twisting the clusters off the block.

Ensure optimal results by keeping air circulation steady and humidity consistent. Pearl Oysters are sensitive to elevated carbon dioxide levels, which may result in overly tall stems and underdeveloped caps. Passive, not direct airflow, can be beneficial. Although this variety is highly resistant to contamination, using clean water and handling the system with care will ensure continued success. If using municipal water, let the water stand for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to break down before using it to spray your mushrooms.

To enjoy successive harvests, stagger your growing by activating a second Livingseeds Pearl Oyster Mushroom System 10-14 days after the first. Each system is capable of producing 2–4 flushes if well-maintained. After harvesting the initial flush, remove the substrate block from the cardboard display box and submerge it in cold water for 12 hours to rehydrate, then return it to fruiting conditions. Additional flushes typically occur every 10–14 days under consistent care.

The Livingseeds Pearl Oyster Mushroom System is probably the easiest system to grow, and is the perfect introduction for growers of all ages into the rewarding world of home mushroom growing.