Golden Teacher vs. B+ vs. Ecuador: Ultimate Strain Comparison Guide

31ST AUGUST 2025 • 5 MIN READ

---

Introduction

You’re thinking about growing your own mushrooms for the first time but aren’t sure which strain to pick. This guide will compare Golden Teacher, B+, and Ecuadorian (Psilocybe cubensis) strains so you can choose the best fit. 

Quick answer: Golden Teacher is my top recommendation (and it’s the strain used in our YouTube tutorial) because it’s extremely popular with beginners, very forgiving of mistakes, and easy to grow. It was also my first strain, and I won’t regret choosing it. That said, each strain has its own advantages in terms of appearance, growth habits, and effects. We’ll look at their origins, appearance (morphology), ideal growing conditions, cultivation difficulty, and potency, to help you decide which one suits your needs.

Magic Mushroom Origin

Golden Teacher Origin

Golden Teacher is a relatively modern strain. It likely emerged in the 1980s, spreading through hobbyist mycology circles. Its exact origin is uncertain. The name “Golden Teacher” reflects its golden-brown caps and the introspective “teaching” experiences users often report. Some sources speculate it was first found in the wild in Florida (US), but this is not confirmed.

B+ Origin

B+ is also a late-20th-century cultivar. According to accounts, B+ originated in Florida (US) in the 1980s or early 1990s. Its creator is not officially known, though one early grower dubbed “Mr. G” is often mentioned. Unlike ancient indigenous strains, B+ has no deep historical record. It gained popularity through the modern home-grown mushroom movement.

Ecuadorian Origin

The Ecuadorian strain traces back to its namesake country. It was first discovered in the highlands of Ecuador, likely in naturally occurring Psilocybe cubensis populations. Cultivators brought this strain into the wider mycology community in the 1970s, popularized by ethnobotanists exploring Andean mushroom traditions. Today it´s also simply called “Ecuador”.

Morphology (Appearance)

Golden Teacher Morphology

Golden Teacher mushrooms typically form medium-to-large fruit bodies characterized by honey-golden to amber caps and relatively thick white stems. These caps often possess a slight metallic sheen and may retain a gentle umbo or a slight depression at the center as they mature. They grow in clusters and present a striking appearance. Their uniform size and elegant shape make them distinguishable among other cubensis varieties.

B+ Morphology

The B+ strain is renowned for producing very large and robust mushrooms. Its caps exhibit a cinnamon to golden brown color and often become quite broad or convex. Thick and sturdy stems, which are typically whitish, support these hefty caps. B+ mushrooms generally appear vigorous under good conditions, with caps capable of reaching a substantial diameter during optimal growth. The spore print is a deep purple-brown, a characteristic feature of P. cubensis.

Ecuadorian Morphology

Ecuadorian mushrooms produce medium-to-large fruits distinguished by broad, golden-caramel caps and thick, dense stems. When fully open, the caps may display wavy edges. As they mature, the gills underneath turn a dusky purplish-gray due to heavy spore production. While Ecuadorian mushrooms share a resemblance to other cubensis strains, they are notably recognized for their solid, chunky stature and classic caramel coloration.

Growing Conditions

All three strains thrive under very similar cultivation conditions and can be easily grown at home. In general, they prefer a warm, humid environment:

• Temperature: Colonization (mycelial growth) around 21–27 °C (70–80 °F) and fruiting around 22–26 °C (72–79 °F).
• Humidity: Very high (around 85–100%) during fruiting to support healthy mushroom development.
• Light: Not very important for mushrooms to grow. Just avoid direct sunlight.
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrates such as grain spawn with a bulk casing of coco coir, vermiculite, or manure are typical.

Using an all-in-one grow kit (like the one in our step-by-step tutorial) will automatically maintain the right moisture and airflow for these conditions. In our experience, simply following the kit’s instructions results in the ideal humidity and temperature range for any of these strains.

Difficulty and Contamination Resistance

Golden Teacher Grow Difficulty

Golden Teacher is often recommended as beginner-friendly. Its mycelium is very resilient to temperature or humidity fluctuations, and it tends to yield reliably even if conditions aren’t perfect. It is also less prone to contamination than many other strains. In practice, this means Golden Teacher jars or bags often tolerate minor mistakes (like brief temperature dips or slightly weak sterilization) and still produce healthy flushes.

B+ Grow Difficulty

B+ is also very easy to grow, even for novices. It has a strong, fastncolonization that can outcompete contaminants. Growers note that B+ often produces large mushrooms even under sub-optimal conditions. In other words, B+ is very forgiving: it’s known to resist common mold or bacterial contamination effectively, making it an ideal choice if you worry about mistakes during culturing.

Ecuadorian Grow Difficulty

The Ecuadorian strain is also quite forgiving and beginner-friendly. Its mycelium colonizes steadily and produces strong flushes in a range of conditions. Ecuadorian mushrooms are noted for resisting contamination well. They can fruit successfully even when humidity or airflow isn’t perfect. However, while Ecuador performs well, some cultivators find it slightly less vigorous in low-tech setups compared to B+.

Overall, most P. cubensis strains are relatively easy to grow because they thrive in a wide temperature range and on various substrates, especially compared to more demanding species like Pan cyan.

Potency

Golden Teacher Potency

Studies on Golden Teacher report a moderate average potency of 0.63% active content by dry weight. The strain typically produces balanced, gentle effects that are more often characterized as insightful than intensely visual.

B+ Potency

Studies on B+ report a moderate average potency of around 0.50% active content by dry weight. The strain typically produces a pleasant, euphoric experience, with visuals that are often noted as being slightly more pronounced than those of Golden Teacher.

Ecuadorian Potency

Studies on Ecuadorian report a moderate average potency of approximately 0.59% active content by dry weight. The strain typically produces a clear-headed yet strong experience, often accompanied by vivid visuals and a notable sense of body euphoria.

Not sure how much to take? Use our Magic Mushroom Dosage Calculator to find the perfect amount for your body weight and desired experience. It’s simple, safe, and helps you plan a trip that’s just right for you. Get your perfect dosage now!

Overall, Golden Teacher leads this group in potency, but the gap is minimal. In a practical setting, the difference between these averages is almost unnoticeable, as all three strains fall firmly within the same moderate potency range.

Conclusion

Each of these strains can work well for a first-time cultivator. They all fruit in our starter kit and share similar needs, so it often comes down to personal preference. 

Golden Teacher is my personal favorite for beginners because of its reliability and steady yields. It has a classic look and a gentle, “teacher-like” effect. B+ is also an excellent choice for beginners. It’s famously tough and produces large flushes even if conditions slip. The Ecuadorian strain is hearty and potent, but it may not be as widely recommended as a very first strain (many cultivators tend to start with the other two).

In short, if you want a safe, easy first grow, Golden Teacher is the go-to. B+ is a close second. Both are ideal for someone new to mushroom cultivation. The Ecuadorian strain is strong and adaptable, but I wouldn’t pick it as my very first choice. Whatever you decide, our grow kit and the tips in the tutorial will help ensure success. Happy growing!