Growing your own mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it often requires a basic understanding of the spore print process. In this guide, we'll explain what spore prints are, why they're important, and how to make them for Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms. We'll also explore the differences in spores between various psilocybe cubensis strains, using Albino Penis Envy and PES Amazonian spores as examples.
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What is a Psilocybe Cubensis Spore Print?
A Psilocybe Cubensis spore print is a method of collecting spores from a mature magic mushroom. Spores are the reproductive cells of fungi and can be used to grow new mushrooms. Making a spore print involves placing the cap of a mature mushroom onto a piece of paper or foil and allowing the spores to drop onto the surface for eventual collection.
Why Take Spore Prints?
P. Cubensis spore prints are important because they allow growers to identify the strain of a mushroom and ensure genetic purity in their grow. Additionally, spore prints are an easy and cost-effective way to create a large number of new mushroom cultures. In the USA, whereas Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal to own or grow, you can own the spores to be used for microscopy. Thus, these spores are currently your best legal avenue into the world of magic mushrooms and will allow you to study the genetics of the fungus.
How to Make a Spore Print With Psilocybe Cubensis
To make a spore print, you'll need a mature magic mushroom with a cap that is fully open. Many guides will suggest harvesting Psilocybe Cubensis after the veil breaks, which is true if you plan to consume them. However, to get a quality spore print, the cap must be completely matured & flattened. Place the mushroom cap onto a clean piece of paper or tin foil, gill side down. Cover the mushroom with a glass or bowl to prevent air currents from disturbing the spores. Leave the mushroom undisturbed for 24-48 hours, then remove the cap to reveal the spore print. Then you will want to store your spores either in folded tinfoil, or into a new syringe.
How to Store A Magic Mushroom Spore Print
Saving a Psilocybe Cubensis spore print in tinfoil is a popular and effective method of preserving spores for future cultivation. At this point, your spore print is visible on the tinfoil, but now you want to save it for future use. Fold the tinfoil around & over the spore print, and label it with the strain and date of collection. You can place the foil & print in a bag, to reduce contaminants from coming in. Additionally, you should store the packet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until you're ready to use the spores for cultivation. It's important to ensure that the tinfoil packet is completely sealed and free of any contaminants that may affect the spores' ability to grow.
Variation in Spore Color and Shape
Spores can vary in color and shape between different P. Cubensis strains, which there are many of. For example, Albino Penis Envy spores are translucent and white, while PES Amazonian spores are dark purplish-brown. Additionally, spores can vary in size and shape, which can affect how quickly a mushroom will grow. For more visibility into unique spore colors & shape, check out the descriptions on each product page!
Are P. Cubensis Spores Psychoactive?
While P. Cubensis mushrooms are known for their psychoactive effects, the spores themselves do not contain any psychoactive compounds. If you consumed them, you would feel none of the classic magic mushroom effects. It's worth noting that handling spores and growing mushrooms can be a rewarding and educational experience, regardless of their psychoactivity. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations regarding the possession and cultivation of P. Cubensis mushrooms.
Conclusion
Spore prints are an essential part of dealing with P. Cubensis mushrooms. They allow mycologists to identify the strain of their mushrooms and ensure genetic purity. By understanding the spore print process and the differences in spores between different strains, you can create a successful mushroom grow and open up a whole new world of possibilities. Remember to always practice proper sterile technique when handling spores to ensure a healthy grow.
Disclaimer: We offer Psilocybin mushroom spores intended for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. Images & Text provided are for informational and educational reference only and originate from cultivators and labs outside of the USA. Buying magic mushroom spores is legal in the United States. However, cultivation of magic mushrooms, which includes all psilocybin and psilocin containing mushroom species, is illegal in many countries, including the United States. Please check your local regulations to ensure that you are following the law properly.