When we introduce people to the Penis Envy (PE) mushroom, the reaction is always the same: curiosity, intrigue, and maybe even a little disbelief at how potent this strain is.
This Psilocybe cubensis strain is instantly recognizable thanks to its thick stem, rounded cap, and unmistakable shape.
But Penis Envy is more than just its appearance. It’s one of the most potent magic mushroom strains out there, known for delivering deep, transformative experiences.
If you’re curious about what makes this strain so unique, how to identify it, grow it, dose it, and whether it’s the right fit for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Penis Envy Mushroom: Brief History and Origin
The origin of Penis Envy (PE) mushrooms is a bit of a mystery.
Some say they come from the Amazon, while others trace them back to Mexico. Ethnobotanist Terence McKenna is often credited with their discovery, but it was mycologist Steven Pollock who modified the strain into its well-known phallic shape.
After Pollock passed away, the mushroom made its way into circulation under the name Penis Envy, and it’s been famous ever since.
PE mushrooms are known for being much stronger than regular magic mushrooms, making them a top choice for experienced users looking for deep, mind-altering trips.
WHERE DO PENIS ENVY MUSHROOMS GROW?
Unlike most mushrooms, they don’t spread naturally because they produce very few spores. Instead, they have to be carefully grown by cultivators using agar and other lab techniques.
They thrive in warm, humid conditions but are rarely found in the wild.
Shrooms with Benefits
The next dimension in mind-body growth. Explore our thoughtfully crafted range; from Gummies and Capsules to Teas and Chocolates, designed to elevate clarity, creativity, and balance.
Shop Now
Penis Envy Mushroom Appearance (and How To Identify)
The Penis Envy mushroom got its name because of its unusual, phallic shape that resembles a human penis.
Compared to regular Psilocybe cubensis strains, PE mushrooms have:
- Thicker, more robust stems: The stems (stipes) are fat, dense, and often do not have a hollow center like other mushrooms. They are much firmer and do not break as easily.
- Smaller, undeveloped caps: The caps (pileus) are round, bulbous, and don’t open up fully like most cubensis mushrooms. Instead of flattening out, they stay curved or convex, making them look immature.
- Shorter and stockier overall appearance: Unlike other strains that grow tall and slender, Penis Envy mushrooms are more compact, chubby, and sturdy.
The cap of a Penis Envy mushroom is usually golden-brown or light caramel, similar to that of Golden Teacher, but sometimes darker due to its thick flesh.
The caps are usually round and bulbous, often wrinkled or wavy, rather than the smooth, umbrella-like shape of other strains.
Unlike most cubensis strains, Penis Envy mushrooms often retain part of their veil (the thin membrane under the cap), making them look like they haven’t fully matured.
PE mushrooms produce fewer spores compared to other Psilocybe cubensis strains. Their gills are not as dark and don’t produce as many spores, making them harder to cultivate.
HOW TO BE SURE YOU HAVE PENIS ENVY MUSHROOM?
✔️ Short, fat, and thick stems (feel firm when touched)
✔️ Small, rounded caps that don’t fully open
✔️ Strong blue bruising when touched or damaged
✔️ Low spore production, paler gills
✔️ Slow-growing and very potent
Potency and Effects of Penis Envy Mushroom
The presence of psilocybin, the active ingredient that causes a psychedelic high, in Penis Envy means that it alters the mind when consumed. But this depends on the dosage.
Penis Envy mushrooms are one of the strongest Psilocybe cubensis strains. Some lab tests have shown it contains 50%–100% more psilocybin and psilocin than other cubensis mushrooms.
While that is open to exploration, the strain’s denser flesh already explains its higher per-gram levels of psychoactive compounds.
Also, the slow growth allows for higher psilocybin concentrations, while the genetic mutation yields more powerful effects.
Because of their potency, users often take half the regular dose compared to other magic mushroom strains.
EFFECTS
Expect bright colors, fractal patterns, and an altered sense of reality. Many users also report feelings of deep emotional or spiritual connection.
It’s a favorite among those of us seeking a profound experience. This strain is one of the best mushroom strains for visuals.
From our experience testing this PE strain, we found that 1 to 2 grams was enough to feel the effects, while 4 to 5 grams led to a full psychedelic journey.
QUICK NOTE:
- Factors like an empty stomach, method of consumption, metabolism rate, set and setting, and overall influence how quickly the effect of Penis Envy (and many other shroom strains) kicks in after consumption.
How to Use Penis Envy Shroom
Penis Envy mushrooms are consumable. Some people chew and swallow directly.
You can even brew them in hot water to create a more easily digestible tea.
However, Penis Envy mushrooms grow well in warm, humid environments. People usually grow them at home rather than find them in the wild.
These mushrooms take longer to grow and don’t produce many spores, making them tricky to cultivate.
Because of this, they are often more expensive and harder to get than other types of magic mushrooms.
Growing Tips for Penis Envy Mushroom Strain
If you’re planning to grow the Penis Envy magic mushroom strain, the bad news is that it’s not easy to find them, especially in areas where psilocybin mushrooms are in a grey area.
But the good news is that you can cultivate them indoors with the right temperature.
Step 1: Setting Up The Space
Magic mushrooms thrive in warm, humid conditions.
During the colonization phase, keep the temperature between **70 and 75°F (21 and 24°C).** Once they start to fruit, lower the temperature slightly to 65-70°F (18-21°C) for better growth.
And just as you would do when growing any kind of mushroom, you maintain humidity levels at around 90% to help the plant grow properly.
Step 2: Choose the Right Substrate
These strains love nutrient-rich substrates.
QUICK TIP:
- Be sure to sterilize the substrate to avoid bacteria or mold ruining your growth.
Step 3: Growing the spores
Now, there are two main ways to grow shrooms at home. There’s the PF Tek Method and the Grain Spawn Method.
The PF Tek method is ideal for cultivating mushrooms for the first time. It involves mixing brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water, sterilizing the mix, and inoculating it with spores.
After colonization in a warm, dark space, the substrate (called cakes) is moved to a fruiting chamber to produce mushrooms.
The grain spawn method is ideal for growing larger quantities. It involves sterilized grains (like rye or wheat) inoculated with spores or mycelium.
Colonized grains are mixed with a bulk substrate, such as coco coir or manure, and placed in a fruiting chamber to grow mushrooms.
Step 4: Storing magic mushrooms
The best way to preserve your shroom so it lasts longer depends on whether it’s fresh or dried.
For fresh mushrooms, it’s best to store them in a container. Before tossing your shrooms into any container, be sure you’re using an ideal one.
- The container should minimize exposure to oxygen, prevent heat buildup, and prevent UV light from penetrating.
It’s also important that the container you use minimizes the shroom’s exposure to bacteria or fungal spores.
If, after harvesting the fresh magic mushroom, you dry it. Then, the storage approach is different. You can store dried mushrooms in a mason jar or ziplock bags with a food-safe desiccant packet.
Keep the airtight bag in a cool, dark place.
Is Penis Envy the Best Shroom to Consume for a Psychedelic Experience?
PE mushrooms are up to twice as strong as regular cubensis strains. This means even a tiny amount can be overwhelming, making it difficult to control your experience.
If you’re looking for a balanced, reliable, and easy-to-manage magic mushroom strain, Golden Teacher (GT) is often the best option.
Golden Teacher is strong enough to be effective but gentle enough to avoid overwhelming effects. This makes it easier to adjust your dose, whether you’re microdosing or taking a full trip.
At Schedule35, you can find various goodies prepared with the Golden Teacher cultivar to help you improve your mental health and reap the benefits of psilocybin.
Some of the high-quality Golden Teacher shroom products you can order online in various doses include:
We also provide a dosage guide for these shroom products to help you nail your microdosing journey.