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- 🌱 Oyster mushrooms grow well on materials high in cellulose, like toilet paper. You don't need special gear.
- 🧬 Toilet paper is naturally clean because of how it's made. This makes it good for growing mushrooms.
- 🕒 Oyster mushrooms grow fast—just 2.5 to 3 weeks from start to harvest on toilet paper.
- 🏡 This is a small, planet-friendly way to grow food indoors, even in tiny spaces.
- 🍄 Toilet paper mushrooms are safe to eat. Just use toilet paper without chemicals and keep things clean.
Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow at home. And surprisingly, they can grow on something as simple as a roll of toilet paper. This isn't just a strange experiment. It's planet-friendly, cheap, and great for small spaces or indoor gardens. You can use a store-bought kit or do it yourself. Learning how to grow oyster mushrooms, also called "toilet paper mushrooms," can turn a simple household item into good, healthy food. For even bigger yields with the same ease, our mushroom grow bags give oyster mushrooms the perfect environment to thrive indoors.
Why Oyster Mushrooms Grow Well on Toilet Paper
Toilet paper might not seem like a clear choice for growing mushrooms. But it works because it's simple and made of the right stuff. Here’s why it works so well:
1. Cellulose-Rich Material
Toilet paper is mostly cellulose. This is the same natural material found in wood, leaves, and straw. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) grow naturally on old wood and farm waste in nature. So, they easily grow in places with lots of cellulose.
The USDA says oyster mushrooms grow well on many types of low-food, stringy materials. This includes cardboard, coffee grounds, and newspaper (USDA, 2012). Here, toilet paper does much the same job as normal mushroom-growing stuff like straw or sawdust. But it makes less mess, and the mushrooms grow through it faster.
2. Naturally Clean and Hygienic
Toilet paper is made to be clean. So, it's mostly free of germs and mold. This means you don't need to do a lot of cleaning to kill germs. You usually need to do this when using farm waste or dirt. The lower chance of bad stuff growing makes toilet paper a safer choice for new growers. They might not have germ-killing tools or a lab setup.
3. Easy Water Absorption
It's soft and takes in water well. This means it stays wet all over. That's perfect for mushroom roots to grow. Mycelium is the mushroom's main body. It needs moisture to spread well through its food source.
4. Speed and Accessibility
Toilet paper has very little lignin and other tough fibers. Wood chips or bark, for example, have more. This means the mycelium can grow all over the roll fast. This makes it a great choice for people who want to grow mushrooms quickly.
Understanding the Science of Mushroom Food Sources
A substrate is essentially the food source for your mushrooms. It must:
- Have lots of cellulose
- Hold moisture well
- Be clean (or, even better, clean of all germs)
- Offer a structure the mycelium can grow into
Oyster mushrooms are what’s known as saprotrophs. These fungi eat old plant stuff by breaking down tough plant parts. They turn "waste" into food they can use, and into mushrooms you can eat. Toilet paper provides both the structure and the sugars needed for this process.
When you add mushroom spawn, oyster mushroom mycelium starts to grow all over the food source. Once the mycelium has grown all over, you need to change the temperature and wetness to make mushrooms grow. This is when the mushrooms you can see start to grow.
What You’ll Need to Grow Oyster Mushrooms on Toilet Paper
Starting your oyster mushroom grow doesn't require special tools or a grow tent. Here's a list of the supplies you'll need:
🧫 Oyster Mushroom Spawn
- You can buy this from suppliers like Zombie Mushrooms.
- It comes in different forms: liquid culture, grain spawn, sawdust spawn.
- Make sure you store your spawn refrigerated if you’re not using it right away.
🧻 Toilet Paper Rolls
- Choose unscented, undyed, bleach-free options.
- Toilet paper that comes from planet-friendly sources or is recycled is better for the mushrooms and the planet.
🧴 Sterile or Boiled Water
- Used to wet the toilet paper roll.
- Don't use tap water with chlorine. Filtered or boiled water is best to stop bad stuff from growing.
🍱 Container or Plastic Bag
- A ziplock bag, mushroom grow bag, or small plastic bin can work.
- It needs to keep water in, but also let a little air get in and out.
💦 Optional Humidity Dome
- A clear storage bin or plastic cover can help keep things moist when the mushrooms are growing.
- You can improvise with a cut soda bottle or plastic wrap.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms on Toilet Paper: Step-by-Step
🌿 Step 1: Sanitize and Prep
Before handling spawn or substrate, clean your hands, tools, and work surfaces with alcohol or soap and water. Being clean is very important to stop germs from growing when you're just starting.
💧 Step 2: Hydrate the Toilet Paper
Place one or two toilet paper rolls into your sterilized container. Pour hot (but not boiling) sterile water evenly over the roll. Let it soak up water fully, but not get soaking wet. Wait 10–15 minutes for excess water to drain naturally.
For a smaller setup, take out the cardboard tube from the middle of the roll once it's fully soaked.
🍄 Step 3: Inoculation
Using clean hands or sterile gloves, break up the oyster mushroom spawn and gently mix it into the toilet paper roll.
💡 Tip: Try to get the spawn near the center and outer sides for the mushrooms to grow evenly.
🔒 Step 4: Seal the Environment
Loosely close the bag or container to keep it moist, but don't seal it completely. Air needs to get in and out for the mycelium to grow well.
Place the setup in a warm, dark location between 70–75°F (21–24°C), such as a cupboard or closet.
⏳ Step 5: Colonization Period
In 7–14 days, you’ll see the mycelium—the white web-like stuff—spreading through the toilet paper. This means the fungus is eating the paper and getting ready to grow mushrooms.
Monitor moisture during this stage. Mist lightly if it looks dry. But don't water too much, or you might get mold.
🌬️ Step 6: Start Growing Mushrooms
Once the whole roll is covered in mycelium, move it to a spot with light, but not direct sun. The temperature should be cooler, between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Fresh air and less CO₂ help make the mushrooms start growing. Mist the roll 2–3 times daily or use a humidity dome to keep conditions moist.
✂️ Step 7: Harvest Time
Mushroom pinheads will form after a few days. These will grow fast.
Harvest when caps are still slightly convex and edges begin to flatten. Twist gently or cut at the base for best results.
Timeline: How Long Until Harvest?
The whole process, from setup to harvest, is one of the fastest ways to grow food at home:
- Colonization: 7–14 days
- Growing Mushrooms: 5–7 days
- Total Time: ~2.5 to 3 weeks
You might get 2 or even 3 batches of mushrooms from the same roll. Just keep it wet enough and mist it.
Benefits of the Toilet Paper Method
Growing oyster mushrooms on toilet paper isn’t just clever—it’s practical:
👍 Economical
A roll of toilet paper and a few grams of spawn is much cheaper than other, harder ways to grow them.
🌍 Eco-Conscious
You're using a material that breaks down naturally and is thrown away. Unused rolls, especially end-of-line or rejected products, work perfectly.
👶 Educational
It’s a hands-on and easy way to learn about biology, how things break down, tiny living things, and mushrooms. Perfect for learners of all ages.
🏠 Space-Efficient
You don’t need a garden or patio—just a closet and small container.
⚡ Quick Reward
The fast growth of oyster mushrooms makes this a good project. This is true especially in classrooms, kitchens, or city gardens.
Stamets (2000) said oyster mushrooms are among the best choices for new growers. This is because of their strong growth and they can beat out bad germs.
Are Toilet Paper Mushrooms Safe to Eat?
Yes, they’re completely safe when handled properly.
Just be sure to:
- Only use unscented, unbleached, and chemical-free toilet paper
- Keep things clean when adding spawn and during growth.
- Don't eat mushrooms that have strange colors, feels, or smells.
If you spot green mold, black fuzz, or smell ammonia-like odors, discard the batch and try again.
Pick mushrooms before they drop spores (when the caps start curling up). These spores can bother some people's lungs indoors.
Troubleshooting Common Growing Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mold | Not clean enough; overwatering | Use fresh materials; control moisture |
| No Growth | Dead spawn or incorrect temperature | Buy fresh spawn; ensure 70-75°F colonization zone |
| No Growing Mushrooms | Not enough fresh air or low humidity | Increase misting; open bag more often; make it a little cooler |
| Thin Mushrooms | Not enough food or light | Add a small amount of coffee grounds next time; increase indirect light |
Patience, watching closely, and cleanliness are your best helpers for growing mushrooms well.
Comparing Mushroom Kits vs. Toilet Paper Method
| Feature | Oyster Mushroom Kit | DIY Toilet Paper Method |
|---|---|---|
| How Easy to Use | Plug-and-play | Some learning needed |
| Included Supplies | All-in-one | Must get separately |
| How Messy | Low | Medium |
| How Fast Results | Fast | Fast |
| Can Change Things | Limited | High |
| Price | Higher | Very low |
Pre-made oyster mushroom kits from suppliers like Zombie Mushrooms are handy. And they work well, like a pro. But toilet paper kits mean you can be creative, cost less, and are good for trying new things and learning.
A Fun, STEM-Friendly Project
Growing "toilet paper mushrooms" is also a fun biology project for kids, hobbyists, and classrooms.
Here are some ways to use it for teaching:
- Science Fairs – Compare how fast mushrooms grow on different food sources
- Biology Classes – Learn about how fungi help break things down and move food around
- Planet-Friendly Lessons – Learn how cutting down on waste and making food fit together.
- City Gardening Clubs – Teach how to grow your own food and farm in small places.
There's a wonder in watching life burst out of a common roll of paper. It's biology, curiosity, and being planet-friendly, all in one.
Get Started Today with Zombie Mushrooms
Ready to grow your own toilet paper mushrooms? Zombie Mushrooms offers top-quality oyster mushroom spawn, grow kits, and tools made to help new growers succeed. They have grow bags, agar kits, and things that control the growing space. This makes it easy to grow easily.
You can start with a DIY setup or start with a full oyster mushroom kit. Either way, you’ll never look at that roll of toilet paper the same way again.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other paper-based materials?
A: Yes! Cardboard, paper towels, and coffee filters all work as food sources. Stay chemical-free and clean when selecting materials.
Q: How many mushrooms can I expect?
A: A single roll of toilet paper can produce 100–200 grams (3–7 ounces) of mushrooms per flush, with 1–3 flushes possible.
Q: Can I store unused mushroom spawn?
A: Yes, most spawn keeps for several months in the refrigerator. Just avoid freezing it.
Q: Do I need special lights?
A: No. Oyster mushrooms need only indirect natural light to grow. Avoid direct sun or complete darkness.
Q: Is this method something I can grow bigger?
A: Yes, you can grow bigger. You can do this by doubling the number of rolls or using bigger containers with more spawn.
Citations
Ramirez, L., & Donovan, D. (2020). Sustainable urban mushroom farming. Journal of Urban Agriculture, 13(2), 115-132. https://doi.org/10.3101/jua-2020-2314
Stamets, P. (2000). Growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.
United States Department of Agriculture. (2012). Oyster mushroom production: growth patterns and substrate options. USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. Retrieved from https://www.nal.usda.gov/assets
