B+ Liquid Culture

B+ — The Most Versatile Cubensis Genetics in Liquid Culture

B+ holds a unique position in the Psilocybe cubensis catalog: it is simultaneously one of the most popular beginner strains and one of the most respected genetics among advanced researchers. Its reputation rests on extraordinary versatility — B+ adapts to a wider range of conditions than almost any other cubensis strain, produces consistently across varying environments, and maintains genetic stability generation after generation. In liquid culture format, these qualities translate to a forgiving, reliable specimen that performs well in the hands of researchers at every experience level.

This liquid culture contains live B+ mycelium, providing researchers with one of the most extensively documented and widely studied cubensis genetics in existence. Whether you’re conducting your first liquid culture observations or adding a reliable reference strain to an advanced collection, B+ delivers consistent, informative results.

Research Characteristics

B+ mycelium in liquid culture demonstrates the adaptability that made the strain famous. Growth rate is moderate to fast, with robust hyphal development that transitions quickly from tomentose (cottony) to rhizomorphic (ropy, cord-like) morphology. This transition itself is a valuable observation for researchers studying mycelial development stages, as B+ makes the progression clearly visible.

Fruiting body morphology is well-documented: medium to large caps with caramel to golden-brown coloration, thick stems, and a fleshy overall structure. B+ is known for producing some of the largest individual fruiting bodies in the cubensis species — specimens exceeding 200mm in stem length have been documented in research literature. This size potential makes B+ morphological reference material immediately recognizable.

Spore deposits are heavy and dark purplish-brown, with spores in the standard cubensis range of 8–11 x 6–7 micrometers. The combination of prolific spore production and large fruiting body size makes B+ one of the most productive strains for generating research material across multiple study formats.

Strain Background

The origins of B+ are the subject of ongoing discussion in the mycology community. The strain is widely attributed to a cultivator known as “Mr. G,” who reportedly developed it through years of work with cubensis genetics. Some accounts suggest B+ may be a hybrid — possibly involving Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe azurescens genetics — though this claim has not been scientifically verified and is disputed by many mycologists. What is not disputed is B+’s exceptional performance: the strain’s adaptability and reliability have been demonstrated consistently across decades of use by researchers worldwide.

The “B+” name itself is said to reference the grade the creator assigned to the strain — suggesting that even he considered it very good but not quite perfect. Ironically, this modesty has not prevented B+ from becoming one of the three most popular cubensis strains globally, alongside Golden Teacher and Penis Envy.

Storage & Handling

• Store at 2–8°C (35–46°F) in a cool, dark location
• Do not freeze — freezing destroys live mycelium
• Use within 30 days of receipt for best viability
• Shake gently before use to redistribute mycelium
• B+’s adaptable genetics make it more tolerant of minor temperature fluctuations than most strains, but consistent refrigeration is still recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Is B+ a good first liquid culture for beginners?

B+ is arguably the best first liquid culture for beginners. Its adaptable genetics mean the mycelium establishes quickly and tolerates minor variations in conditions that would compromise less forgiving strains. Researchers new to liquid culture work will find B+ provides visible, healthy growth reliably — building confidence and technique before moving to more demanding genetics like Penis Envy variants.

How does B+ compare to Golden Teacher in liquid culture?

Both are excellent beginner-friendly strains, but they differ in character. Golden Teacher grows at a moderate, steady pace and serves as the ideal baseline reference. B+ grows slightly faster, produces larger fruiting bodies, and is more adaptable to varying conditions. For research purposes, having both in your collection provides useful comparative material — they share enough similarities to highlight their differences.

Is it true that B+ is a hybrid strain?

This is a persistent claim in the mycology community but has not been scientifically verified. Some sources suggest B+ may involve Psilocybe azurescens genetics, but the genetic analysis required to confirm or deny this has not been published. What is established is that B+ behaves like a particularly adaptable and robust cubensis strain regardless of its exact genetic origins.