Penis Envy mushrooms are one of the most unique and potent strains of Psilocybe cubensis. Known for their thick stems, bulbous caps, and unusually slow growth, these mushrooms are highly sought after for both their psychoactive effects and the challenge they present to growers. Cultivating Penis Envy mushrooms can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires patience, precision, and an understanding of the specific environmental conditions they thrive in. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of growing these powerful mushrooms, from preparing the substrate to harvesting the final product.
What are Penis Envy Mushrooms?
Penis Envy mushrooms are distinct not only for their phallic appearance but also for their potency, with significantly higher concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin compared to other mushrooms. The strain’s history dates back to the late 20th century when it was popularized by ethnobotanist Terence McKenna. Some believe it to be a mutant strain of Psilocybe cubensis, others theorize it was a genetic crossbreed. Their slow growth and susceptibility to contamination make them more difficult to cultivate, but the payoff in both yield and potency makes them a worthwhile challenge for serious mycologists.
Preparing for Cultivation
Before starting your cultivation process, you’ll need a few key supplies, including mushroom grow bags, perlite for humidity control, and thermometers and hygrometers to monitor temperature and humidity. Sterile techniques are absolutely essential at every stage, from substrate preparation to inoculation. This prevents contamination, which is one of the biggest threats to successful cultivation.
Penis Envy mushrooms thrive in a substrate made from brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water, commonly known as the PF Tek method. For more advanced growers, manure-based compost and coco coir substrates can provide additional nutrients and improve yield. Maintain the growing environment with a temperature of 70-75°F during colonization and increase it slightly to 75-81°F for the fruiting phase. Humidity should be kept between 90-95% to ensure that the mushrooms grow properly
Inoculation Process
Inoculation is the process of introducing spores into the substrate to begin the growth of mycelium. You can use spore syringes, which contain Penis Envy spores in a sterilized solution. Be sure to sterilize the syringe and all tools involved to minimize contamination risks. Once the spore solution is injected into the prepared substrate, store it in a warm, dark area to encourage mycelium growth.
The colonization process can take 2 to 4 weeks, during which time the spores will grow into mycelium, the root-like network from which the mushrooms will fruit. Be patient, as Penis Envy mushrooms typically take longer than other strains to reach this stage due to their dense cell structure.
Fruiting and Harvesting
Once the substrate is fully colonized by mycelium, it’s time to introduce fruiting conditions. This involves exposing the mycelium to a 12-hour light/dark cycle and maintaining high humidity (around 90%). Fresh air exchange is also important to prevent the buildup of CO2. Pinning, or the initial formation of mushroom fruit bodies, will begin within 1-2 weeks after introducing these conditions.
Harvesting should be done just before the veil under the cap breaks, which indicates the mushroom is at its peak potency. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the base to avoid damaging the mycelium, which can lead to future flushes. Some growers may experience multiple flushes of mushrooms if they maintain the right conditions post-harvest.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
One of the biggest challenges in growing Penis Envy mushrooms is their susceptibility to contamination. Due to their slower growth rate, they are exposed to contaminants for a longer period compared to other strains. Using sterilized tools, maintaining clean working conditions, and practicing good sterile technique throughout the process will help minimize the risk.
Another challenge is sourcing high-quality Penis Envy spores. These are not always readily available from commercial vendors, but can sometimes be found through mycology communities and reputable suppliers. Advanced techniques like liquid culture can speed up the colonization process, reducing the risk of contamination.
Potency and Effects
Penis Envy mushrooms are known for their high potency. Users often experience powerful visual and auditory hallucinations, intense introspection, and a strong sense of connection to nature. Due to their strength, it’s recommended to start with a smaller dose than you would for other Psilocybe cubensis strains. Beginners should start with a dose between 0.5 and 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms, while experienced users may choose to take higher amounts depending on their desired experience.
The potency of Penis Envy mushrooms makes them a popular choice for experienced psychonauts seeking deeper, more profound trips. However, the strength of these mushrooms also means that the potential for overwhelming or challenging experiences is higher, so proper preparation is essential
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, including Penis Envy, varies widely by location. In some countries and U.S. states, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making them illegal to cultivate or possess. However, there are ongoing discussions and legislative efforts to decriminalize or legalize the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. Oregon and Colorado, for example, have recently passed legislation allowing controlled use of psilocybin for therapeutic applications
Before cultivating or consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local laws in your area to avoid any legal issues. Furthermore, responsible use and cultivation of these mushrooms should always be approached with care, respect, and consideration for the potential psychological effects.
Conclusion
Growing Penis Envy mushrooms can be a highly rewarding but challenging endeavor. With their slow growth and high susceptibility to contamination, it takes patience and attention to detail to cultivate them successfully. However, for those willing to put in the effort, the payoff is immense, both in terms of yield and the unique psychedelic experiences these mushrooms offer. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, Smokin Treasures provides further resources and supplies to help you every step of the way in your mushroom cultivation adventure.
