Golden Teacher Vs. B+ Vs. Ecuador: Ultimate Strain Comparison Guide
31ST AUGUST 2025 • 8 MIN READ
Table of Contents
Introduction
You're thinking about growing your own mushrooms for the first time but aren't sure which strain to pick. This guide compares Golden Teacher, B+ and Ecuadorian (Psilocybe cubensis) so you can find the best fit for you.
Quick answer: Golden Teacher is my top recommendation, and also the strain used in our step-by-step YouTube tutorial, because it is extremely popular with beginners, very forgiving of mistakes and easy to grow. It was also my first strain, and I don't regret choosing it.
That said, each strain has its own advantages in terms of appearance, cultivation, and effects. We'll look at their origins, appearance, ideal growing conditions, cultivation difficulty and potency to help you decide which is best for you.
Morphology (Appearance & Identification)
Golden Teacher Morphology
The Golden Teacher is probably the most famous P. cubensis strain out there and a community favourite among growers. It produces medium sized mushrooms with light honey-golden to amber caps and relatively thick white stems, both average in size and diameter. The veil is clearly visible and the spore print is a deep purple-brown, as is common for P. cubensis. The spore drop is average compared to other P. Cubensis strains.
From personal experience, the first flush usually brings many smaller mushrooms, while later flushes tend to produce fewer but larger ones (in the picture above). Overall, Golden Teacher is the most elegant and graceful looking strain of the three.
B+ Morphology
The B+ strain is one of the largest growing P. cubensis varieties out there, producing big, robust mushrooms with long, sturdy whitish stems. In cooler growing temperatures the stems can get noticeably thicker than usual. The caps range in colour from caramel tones to a vibrant golden-yellow, and are both wider and thicker compared to strains like Golden Teacher.
One interesting trait of B+ is that the cap rarely flattens out completely and almost never turns upward at the edges, which sets it apart from many other strains. The spore print is a deep purple-brown, as is common for P. cubensis. B+ is known for having a strong spore drop, so make sure to harvest before the veil breaks to keep your grows clean. Overall, it's the biggest mushroom producing strain out of those three.
Ecuadorian Morphology
The Ecuadorian is a less commonly known P. cubensis strain, but it stands out for producing some of the thickest and most substantial mushrooms around. Fruit bodies range from small to medium-large, with mostly very thick stems that come in a bright yellow tone. The caps are thick and large, and lean more towards a reddish-golden colour compared to GT or B+, often developing white speckles during maturity.
Similar to B+, the cap rarely flattens out completely and almost never turns upward at the edges. Similar to the other two strains, the spore print is a deep purple-brown, and like B+, the Ecuadorian is also known for a heavy spore drop. In fact, spore prints across cubensis strains look so similar that you practically cannot identify a strain by its spores alone. Overall, out of the three strains covered here, the Ecuadorian is the thickest mushroom producing strain.
Psilocybe Cubensis Origin & History
Golden Teacher Origin & History
Golden Teacher is a relatively modern strain, likely emerging in the 1980s and spreading through hobbyist mycology circles. It is said that this cubensis was first discovered growing in a pile of dung and straw on a farm in the US state of Florida, though this has never been confirmed. It gained popularity in the home grower scene due to its high resistance to contamination. The name "Golden Teacher" comes from its golden appearance and the introspective insights users report after intake.
B+ Origin & History
B+, originally known by the full name "Herbens B+ Strain", originated in Florida (US) in the 1980s or early 1990s. The name itself is a direct reference to its physical appearance: the "B" stands for Big and the "+" means Very (Very Big), highlighting its reputation as one of the tallest-growing P. cubensis.
Its creator is not officially known, though one early grower dubbed "Mr. G" is often mentioned. One of the most enduring parts of its legacy is the "Hybrid Myth". For years, it was said to be a cross between P. cubensis and P. azurescens, which is biologically not possible, most likely spread to advertise it as a special strain.
It gained popularity through hobby mycologists who praised it as a "super strain" for its ability to grow on a wide range of substrates, from dung to birdseed, while also being very resilient to temperature fluctuations.
Ecuadorian Origin & History
The Ecuadorian strain traces back to the country where it was first discovered in the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains, at elevations exceeding 3,500 feet (1,100+ meters). This robust cultivar was originally collected by a mycologist known as "BIO" and brought into the wider mycology community in the 1970s, quickly gaining popularity due to its high resistance to lower temperatures, a trait directly tied to its mountainous origins.
Growing Conditions & Cultivation Methods (P. Cubensis, Yield)
All three strains thrive under very similar cultivation conditions and can be easily grown at home. In general, they prefer a warm, humid environment. Since all 3 strains are P. Cubensis the conditions are very similar, but there are a few differences between each strain, but first what they all have in common:
- Temperature: Colonization of mycelium around 21-27°C (70-80°F) and fruiting around 22-26°C (72-79°F). Lower temperatures will slow down growth, and higher temperatures create better conditions for bacterial growth.
- Humidity: Very high (around 85-100%) during fruiting to support healthy mushroom development. This is best maintained through proper hydration of your substrate.
- Light: Not very important for mushrooms to grow, just avoid direct sunlight. Indirect natural light or a simple lamp on a basic schedule is more than enough.
- Substrate: All can be grown easily on plain coco coir, but CVG substrate works the best. Check out our CVG Calculator for the perfect substrate.
- Grain: Brown rice, millet, milo and bird seeds all work well. Grain is used to colonize the mycelium before it gets transferred to the substrate.
- Colonisation Stage: 10-14 days, depending on temperature and how well the grain was prepared and sterilized.
- Fruiting Stage: 5-7 days from pinning to harvest. Mushrooms should be picked before the veil underneath the cap fully tears.
- Flushes: Usually 3-5, up to 7. After each flush the substrate can be rehydrated to trigger another round of growth.
Golden Teacher Growing Conditions
Golden Teacher has an average to slightly quicker cultivation speed compared to the other two strains. It is reasonably resilient against temperature fluctuations, though less so than B+ or Ecuadorian. Golden Teacher is slightly less resilient to temperature fluctuations than the other two, but also slightly more prone to contamination than B+ or Ecuadorian.
As mentioned before, the spore drop is average, but still good enough to make proper spore prints. The overall cultivation difficulty is low, while bringing in high yields.
B+ Growing Conditions
B+ is remarkably resilient when it comes to temperature fluctuations, having been observed fruiting outdoors in winter with nighttime lows of 45°F (7°C) and daytime highs of 60°F (15°C), while performing equally well in summer heat ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C–32°C). It is less prone to contamination than Golden Teacher, but P. cubensis in general is very resistant to contamination compared to other magic mushroom species.
Cultivation speed and yield are both average. B+ is known for a heavy spore drop, making it great for producing spore prints, but make sure to harvest once the veil breaks since spores dropping onto the substrate can prevent further flushes. Overall, the difficulty for cultivating B+ is also low.
Ecuadorian Growing Conditions
The Ecuadorian is slightly slower in colonisation speed compared to B+ and Golden Teacher, and yield comes in at a medium level. It is less prone to contamination than Golden Teacher. The Ecuadorian is particularly robust towards lower temperatures, making it a solid choice for cooler growing environments. It is known for a heavy spore drop, so it's very similar to B+ in many ways. Overall, the Ecuadorian sits at a low to medium difficulty level for cultivation.
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Since they all need similar growing conditions, they can be grown with the same cultivation methods. Here are the most common ones:
- Monotub: A big plastic tub used as a fruiting chamber. It allows for high yields and is fully reusable, making it one of the most popular choices among home growers.
- All in one bags: A great alternative since mushrooms can be grown directly inside the bag. They are beginner friendly and offer a medium yield with less setup required.
- Grainbags/Grainjars: Can be bought or made yourself, but a pressure cooker is required for sterilization. They offer good control over the growing process and work well when combined with a fruiting chamber
- Ready to grow kits: Very expensive for the yields they produce, but require basically no work or prior knowledge. A decent option for those who just want to try it once without any setup.
- Uncle Ben's TEK: Little to no equipment required and very cheap to get started. However, success rates are low and it is generally not recommended for those looking for consistent results.
My favourite method is the monotub, since you can make everything yourself at home, it offers high yields, is reusable and beginner friendly. It works especially well combined with pre-sterilised grain bags, as you have to worry less about contamination, which is usually the main reason why beginners fail. If you want to get started, check out our full guide on how to grow mushrooms in a monotub here.
| Which is the best method? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Difficulty | Price | Yield |
| Monotub | Medium | Low | High |
| AIO Bags | Low | High | Medium |
| Ready to Grow Kit | Low | High | Low |
| Uncle Ben's TEK | Medium | Low | Medium |
Potency & Effects (Strength)
Golden Teacher Potency
Studies on Golden Teacher report a moderate average psilocybin content of 0.63% by dry weight. This also includes other alkaloids like Psilocin, Baeocystin and Norbaeocystin.
From personal experience, they don't produce strong visuals at dosages under 3g dried, but the body high is great. That's why I think they are perfect for beginners who don't want to get overwhelmed on their first time.
B+ Potency
Studies report a moderate average psilocybin content of around 0.68% by dry weight, which is slightly higher than the potency of Golden Teacher. It was first believed that B+ was a high potency strain, most likely tied to the myth of it being a P. azurescens hybrid, since that species is known for its higher potency compared to the average P. cubensis.
The strain is said to produce a pleasant, euphoric experience, with visuals that are often noted as being slightly more pronounced than those of Golden Teacher. From personal experience it feels overall very similar to Golden Teacher, with the slightly higher potency not being really noticeable.
Ecuadorian Potency
Studies on Ecuadorian report a moderate average psilocybin content of approximately 0.59% by dry weight. I have to admit that I haven't tried this strain yet, but it is said to produce a clear-headed yet strong experience, often accompanied by vivid visuals and a notable sense of body euphoria. Though again, I can't confirm this personally.
Overall, B+ 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. In the end, they are all P. cubensis with similar potency and the same active components.
Magic Mushroom Dosage Calculator
Use our Magic Mushroom Dosage Calculator to find the perfect dose for you. You can choose between 5 experience levels, from microdose up to heroic dose, while also getting a sense of how the visuals might look.
Keep in mind that this is just average data. Potency is determined by many factors, not only the strain. It can vary between mushrooms from the same flush and even within a single mushroom. Drying method and storage also play a role, as drying at too high a temperature can destroy the active components. To make sure you never lose any potency, check out our drying and storage guide here.
Conclusion & Personal Experience
From personal experience, all three strains are very similar from a cultivation perspective. I didn't notice any big differences in difficulty, contamination resistance or colonisation duration. The same goes for the experience itself, all three are very similar and not overwhelming.
My first strain ever cultivated and used was Golden Teacher, and it worked pretty well, even back when I was just starting out. I wouldn't say I have a clear favourite, but if you are growing for the first time, Golden Teacher or B+ are both solid choices. They are forgiving, widely available and well documented, meaning you will find plenty of resources and community support if anything goes wrong.
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Shop Now - 19.99€Frequently Asked Questions
B+ Vs. Golden Teacher: Which One Is Better?▼
Both B+ and Golden Teacher are both great beginner strains with similar potency, so neither is strictly better. Golden Teacher is slightly more prone to contamination, while B+ is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Both provide a very forgiving and easy to grow at home.
What's The Best Substrate For Psilocybe Cubensis Mushrooms?▼
The best substrate for Psilocybe cubensis is a mixture of coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum, known as CVG. This blend is perfect for moisture retention, provides all the necessary nutrients for your mushrooms to grow, and is naturally resistant to common contamination.
What Are The Best Psilocybe Cubensis Strains For Beginners?▼
Golden Teacher and B+ are the best Psilocybe cubensis strains for beginners. Both are very easy to cultivate due to their high resistance to contamination and temperature fluctuations. They also have a decent, manageable potency that ensures a pleasant first-time experience.
How Easy It Is To To Grow P. Cubensis Mushrooms?▼
Growing Psilocybe cubensis is very easy when compared to other psychedelic mushrooms like Pan Cyan. You can grow them successfully without much prior knowledge or difficult work by simply using an all-in-one grow bag or starting with a pre-sterilized grain bag for your spawn.
How Long Does It Take To Grow P. Cubensis Mushrooms?▼
It takes anywhere from two weeks up to two months to fully grow Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. The exact timeframe depends heavily on the specific strain you choose, your preferred cultivation method, and external environmental factors like maintaining the proper temperatures.
