Golden Teacher vs B+ vs Ecuador: Which Mushroom Strain to Choose?

1. 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/resistance, and potency, to help you decide which one suits your needs.

2. Origin

Strain histories are often murky, but here’s what is known about where each came from:

2.1 Golden Teacher

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, but this is not confirmed.

2.2 B+

B+ is also a late-20th-century cultivar. According to accounts, B+ originated in Florida (USA) 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.

2.3 Ecuadorian

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 is often simply called “Ecuador” in grower circles.

3. Morphology

All three are Psilocybe cubensis and share the basic mushroom form, but they have distinctive looks:

3.1 Golden Teacher

Golden Teacher mushrooms typically form medium-to-large fruit bodies with honey-golden to amber caps and relatively thick white stems. The caps often have a slight metallic sheen and may retain a gentle umbo (point) or slight depression at the center as they mature. They grow in clusters and can be quite striking in appearance. (See image above: a cluster of Golden Teacher mushrooms.) Their uniform size and elegant shape make them easy to identify among cubensis varieties.

3.2 B+

The B+ strain is known for producing very large, robust mushrooms. Its caps are cinnamon to golden brown in color and often become quite broad or convex. The stems are thick and sturdy (often whitish), supporting the hefty cap. B+ mushrooms typically appear big and healthy under good conditions. In optimal growth, caps can reach substantial diameter. The spore print is a deep purple-brown, characteristic of P. cubensis.

3.3 Ecuadorian

Ecuadorian mushrooms produce medium-to-large fruits with broad, golden-caramel caps and thick, dense stems. The caps may have wavy edges when fully open. As they mature, the gills under the cap turn a dusky purplish-gray from heavy spore production. Overall, Ecuadorian mushrooms look quite similar to other cubensis strains but are often noted for their solid, chunky stature and classic caramel coloring.

4. Growing Conditions

All three strains thrive under very similar cultivation conditions (they are all Psilocybe cubensis). 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. (Our Starter Kit substrate that works for all these strains.)

Using an all-in-one grow kit (like the one in our 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.

5. Difficulty and Contamination Resistance

These strains are all considered relatively forgiving, but there are differences in ease:

5.1 Golden Teacher

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.

5.2 B+

B+ is extremely easy to grow, even for novices. It has a rapid, vigorous colonization (strong, fast-growing mycelium) 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.

5.3 Ecuadorian

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+.

6. Potency

In terms of psychoactive strength (psilocybin content), all three are moderate strains, but there are mild differences:

• Golden Teacher: Moderate potency. Studies report roughly 0.60–0.75% psilocybin by dry weight. Its effects are typically balanced – not overwhelming, often described as insightful and gentle rather than intensely visual.

• B+: Medium to relatively high potency. Psilocybin content is often cited around 1.5–2%. This puts B+ on the stronger side of average cubensis. Users often report a pleasant, euphoric experience with visual effects slightly more pronounced than Golden Teacher.

• Ecuadorian: Medium potency. Measurements put it in the 0.6–1.0% total tryptamines range Its effects are considered strong and clear-headed, often with vivid visuals and body euphoria. In summary, B+ may be the most potent of the three on average, while Golden Teacher and Ecuador are a bit milder but still quite effective.

7. 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!