PE Plus (Psilocybe Cubensis)
Psilocybe Cubensis
Visual Identification
What is PE Plus? A Complete Overview
PE Plus is a unique and visually striking strain of the species Psilocybe cubensis, engineered for those seeking the Potency of Penis Envy (PE) with the growth characteristics of classic strains like B+. Its name—PE Plus—is derived from its lineage, which includes the legendary Penis Envy and a more traditional cubensis such as B+. This hybrid design results in a mushroom that is easier to cultivate than standard PE genetics but still retains much of the psychoactive strength for which PE is renowned. You'll find this strain thrives in all in one mushroom grow kits and monotubs.
Morphologically, PE Plus mushrooms have thick, meaty stems that taper slightly upward and caps that can appear bulbous in early development and flatten with age. Cap coloration ranges from golden caramel to tan, often with bluish bruising indicative of psilocybin content when handled. Unlike classic Penis Envy, PE Plus typically drops spores and forms more clearly defined caps, allowing for easier spore collection and propagation.
PE Plus has gained recognition in the mycological and psychonaut communities for its balanced fusion of ease-of-growth and strength, making it an increasingly popular choice among both novice and experienced growers seeking high potency with fewer cultivation complexities.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Traditional Use of PE Plus
PE Plus is a modern designer strain with no known indigenous use or ritualistic past, as it was developed in the underground mycology community through selective breeding. Its history, however, is closely linked to the famous Penis Envy strain, which is believed to have been discovered by the ethnobotanist and counterculture icon Terence McKenna. McKenna reportedly passed the peculiar Penis Envy specimens to mushroom cultivators, where they were selectively isolated until the potent, stubby form became a strain of its own.
The cultural relevance of PE Plus began with the desire within the psychonaut and cultivation communities to gain the powerful psychoactive effects of Penis Envy without the difficulties in cultivation. PE genetics are notoriously tricky to grow due to irregular sporulation and abnormal morphology. PE Plus rose from that need, as cultivators began crossing Penis Envy with more standard cubensis strains such as B+ to create a robust hybrid.
Over time, PE Plus became a symbol of innovation in amateur mycology, representing how growers in online forums and underground networks could influence strain evolution. Today, it holds an almost legendary status among entheogenic explorers and mushroom breeders who value both potent psychedelic experiences and genetically stable mushrooms.
How to Cultivate PE Plus
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - notably easier than Penis Envy parent strain while maintaining high potency.
Substrate Requirements:
- Sterilized milo grain bags for spawn (recommended for faster colonization)
- CVG (Coco Coir, Vermiculite, Gypsum) substrate mixture
- Classic cow manure-based substrates (optional)
- All-in-one grow kits available for beginners
Environmental Conditions:
- Colonization Temperature: 75°F to 80°F (24°C–27°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 68°F to 74°F (20°C–23°C)
- Humidity: 85%–95% during fruiting
- Air Exchange: Crucial for preventing bacterial problems due to meaty density
- Lighting: Indirect natural light
Timeline:
- Colonization: 14–18 days depending on conditions
- Consolidation period before introducing fruiting conditions
- Harvesting: Handle carefully due to thick, meaty structure
All-In-One Kit Option: For those looking for the easiest cultivation method, an all-in-one grow kit is highly recommended. These ready-to-go kits combine sterilized milo grain and a CVG fruiting layer in sterile bags. Simply inject with a spore syringe or liquid culture, incubate, and fruit in the same bag—no need for extra tubs, pasteurization, or substrate mixing.
Where Do PE Plus Mushrooms Typically Grow?
PE Plus is a domesticated hybrid that does not occur naturally in the wild, so habitat in the traditional ecological sense does not apply. However, understanding the conditions under which it thrives can inform optimal indoor cultivation and artificial mimicry of its ideal surroundings.
As a Psilocybe cubensis variant, PE Plus reflects the natural growth tendencies of its wild-type ancestors. These mushrooms originally thrived in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions, particularly in cow pastures where bovine manure was plentiful. Native environments include the lowland grasslands, meadows, and forests of Central and South America, with sightings in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and parts of Central America.
When cultivated indoors, the environmental preference of PE Plus mirrors that of classic cubensis strains. It prefers a warm, humid setting with temperatures between 68–80°F (20–27°C) and high relative humidity levels of 85% or more. Its optimal substrate must maintain good moisture content, allowing dense mycelial networks to colonize thoroughly. PE Plus also requires fresh air exchange to prevent buildup of CO₂ and promote cap formation.
Although not field-harvestable like some wild cubensis brethren, PE Plus thrives in artificially constructed growing environments that closely replicate warm, humid jungle floor conditions, such as monotubs, grow bags, or Martha tents with indirect lighting and consistent airflow.
When are PE Plus Mushrooms in Season?
Indoors: Year-round. Naturally: Summer to early Fall (July–October).
Are PE Plus Mushrooms Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
PE Plus, like all Psilocybe cubensis strains, is not considered toxic in the traditional sense, but it possesses potent psychoactive properties that carry psychological and physiological risks. The primary active compounds—psilocybin and psilocin—affect serotonin pathways and can induce intense hallucinogenic states that are safe when approached responsibly but overwhelming when misused.
Adverse Effects:
- Accidental high dosing can cause anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and unwanted psychological episodes
- Effects can be intensified in individuals with underlying mental health conditions
- Long trips can include derealization and ego dissolution
- Physical side effects may include nausea, dizziness, or stomach cramping during onset
Risk of Misidentification:
A major toxicity risk lies in confusing PE Plus with toxic lookalikes such as Galerina marginata or Cortinarius species in wild foraging scenarios. Fortunately, PE Plus is cultivated, not wild-harvested, making mix-ups unlikely if purchased or grown from known spore sources.
Though non-toxic when used with intention and proper set-and-setting, PE Plus is not without risks if used irresponsibly or under inappropriate conditions. Harm reduction strategies—like having sober sitters, using accurate doses, and avoiding alcohol or stimulants—are critical.
What are the Medicinal Uses for PE Plus?
While PE Plus is predominantly known for its recreational and spiritual applications, growing research suggests that it may have several potential medicinal benefits primarily due to its high psilocybin concentration relative to baseline cubensis strains.
Potential Benefits:
- Antidepressant Effects: An increasing body of clinical studies now supports the idea that psilocybin-containing mushrooms like PE Plus can offer profound antidepressant effects. Due to its high potency, users report intense introspective experiences that may promote psychological release or emotional processing
- Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Flexibility: Psilocybin has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis and enhance neural network connectivity, suggesting PE Plus could promote cognitive flexibility—especially useful in treating PTSD, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Anti-inflammatory and Cluster Headache Relief: Some anecdotal evidence suggests psilocybin may act as a mild anti-inflammatory agent and provide relief for cluster headaches
- Spiritual and Existential Relief: In palliative care, high-potency psychedelics like PE Plus have been observed to alleviate death anxiety and support spiritual well-being in patients facing terminal illness
As always, these benefits are contingent upon setting and intention and should not substitute for medical advice or supervised care.
What Drugs Interact with PE Plus?
Interactions with Prescription Medications:
- SSRIs and Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine may blunt the psychedelic effects of PE Plus by occupying serotonin receptors. In some cases, they may increase risk of serotonin syndrome
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): MAOIs such as harmaline or pharmaceutical versions like phenelzine can dramatically potentiate the effects of psilocybin by preventing its breakdown. Risk of serotonin syndrome also increases dramatically
- Benzodiazepines: Drugs like alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), or lorazepam (Ativan) can reduce anxiety during a difficult experience but may suppress introspective elements of the trip
- Antipsychotics and Lithium: Lithium has had reports of seizures or severe reactions when combined with psychedelics. Antipsychotics can act as trip aborters but may interact unpredictably
Other Substances:
- Stimulants (Adderall, Cocaine): Combining PE Plus with stimulants increases cardiovascular strain, anxiety risks, and risk of serotonin disruption
- Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is often contraindicated as it blunts the effects and introduces nausea. Cannabis can intensify visual and emotional effects
Important: Careful consideration should be taken when using PE Plus with other drugs. Medical supervision and abstaining from pharmaceutical medications short-term before use (only under doctor's advice) is crucial for safety.
What Mushrooms Look Like PE Plus?
PE Plus is rarer in the wild and typically exists only in controlled growth settings. However, when observed in cultivation, it may resemble a range of other Psilocybe cubensis strains and non-psychoactive species:
- Penis Envy: Nearly identical in genetic makeup but with more deformed, abnormal mushroom caps and typically no spore production
- B+: A smoother, taller mushroom with lighter caps. PE Plus may resemble B+ during mid-development but usually matures to a thicker form with more bruising
- Albino Penis Envy (APE): Shorter and paler but with similar stubby structures, though often ghost white or bluish in tone
Toxic Lookalikes in the Wild:
- Galerina marginata: This deadly species bears light brown caps and often grows on wood. Its presence near cubensis habitats can be fatal for unaware foragers
- Cortinarius species: These exhibit rusty spore prints and can possess bulbous stems. Their toxic qualities make them risky to confuse
- Pholiotina rugosa: Contains deadly amatoxins and appears somewhat similar during pinning stages
Safety Note: Since PE Plus is not naturally occurring and almost always cultivated, visual confusion is less of a concern. However, users should always source spores from reputable vendors and keep close documentation during cultivation to avoid errors caused by bag mix-ups or poor labeling practices.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational, taxonomy, and research purposes only. Always consult a trained professional before attempting to identify any mushroom. Always consult a trained healthcare professional before attempting to ingest any mushroom. Do not message asking if we sell cultures or spores, all requests will be ignored. Always respect your local laws.