B+ spores come from one of the most widely recognised strains of Psilocybe cubensis. Known for its reliability, adaptability, and long-standing reputation within the mycology community, the B+ strain is frequently included in microscopy collections and strain comparison studies.

Collectors and researchers often reference B+ spores when learning to observe cubensis morphology under the microscope due to their consistent characteristics. This guide explores the origins of the B+ strain, the defining features of its spores, and how it compares with other well-known cubensis varieties commonly studied in microscopy.

What Are B+ Spores?

B+ spores are microscopic reproductive cells produced by the B+ strain of the species Psilocybe cubensis. Like all fungal spores, they function as the biological units through which fungi reproduce and spread.

In microscopy, B+ spores are commonly examined because they display the typical characteristics associated with cubensis spores, including a dark purple-brown colour and a visible germ pore when viewed under magnification.

The B+ strain itself has become widely recognised among spore collectors due to its long history within the mycology community and its reputation for producing clear, easily observable spores.

Today, B+ spores are frequently included in microscopy collections alongside other well-known cubensis strains such as Golden Teacher, Mazatapec, and Blue Meanie.

To understand what makes B+ spores interesting for microscopy, it helps to first understand what fungal spores are and how they function in the fungal lifecycle.

Fungi reproduce by releasing microscopic reproductive cells known as spores. These spores contain the genetic material required to form new fungal organisms when environmental conditions are suitable. Unlike seeds in plants, spores are extremely small and lightweight, allowing them to disperse through air currents or contact with surfaces.

The B+ strain belongs to the species Psilocybe cubensis, a tropical and subtropical mushroom species known for producing dark pigmented spores. When observed under a microscope, cubensis spores typically appear elliptical to sub-elliptical in shape with a distinctive germ pore — a small structure where germination can begin.

Because the species produces relatively large and clearly defined spores compared to many other fungi, cubensis varieties like B+ are often used as introductory specimens in amateur mycology microscopy.

Under magnification, these spores reveal important microscopic features that researchers and hobbyists study, including:

• spore size and shape
• pigmentation
• germ pore visibility
• spore wall thickness

These characteristics are part of what mycologists refer to as spore morphology, a key aspect of fungal identification.

If you’re new to the topic, you may want to explore the broader biology of cubensis spores in our Ultimate Guide to Psilocybe Cubensis Spores, which explains the lifecycle, anatomy, and microscopy techniques used to study them.

You can also learn how to observe spores properly in our Microscopy Guide, which covers magnification levels, slide preparation, and the basic equipment used for spore examination.

Origin and History of the B+ Strain

The exact origin of the B+ strain is somewhat uncertain, which has contributed to its mystique within the mycology community. Like many strains of Psilocybe cubensis, B+ does not have a clearly documented natural discovery location. Instead, it appears to have emerged through early spore trading networks and cultivation communities during the growth of internet mycology forums in the 1990s.

Some accounts suggest that the strain may have been isolated by an early mycology enthusiast often referred to as “Mr. G.” However, this origin story has never been fully verified, and many details surrounding the development of the strain remain anecdotal.

What is clear is that B+ quickly became one of the most widely circulated cubensis varieties among collectors. Its name is believed to reference the strain’s reputation for producing reliable specimens and its perceived “above average” qualities compared with other strains available at the time.

Over the years, B+ spores have been traded and preserved within microscopy collections across the world. As a result, the strain is now commonly referenced alongside other well-known cubensis varieties such as Golden Teacher, Mazatapec, and Ecuador.

Today, B+ remains one of the most recognised cubensis strains in the global mycology community. Because of its long history and widespread availability, many collectors include B+ spores as part of a broader strain collection used for microscopy observation and comparison.

Spore Characteristics and Microscopy Profile

Under the microscope, B+ spores display the characteristic morphology associated with the species Psilocybe cubensis. These microscopic reproductive cells are typically dark purple-brown in colour and possess an elliptical to slightly oval shape.

One of the defining features visible during microscopic examination is the germ pore, a small but distinct opening located at one end of the spore. This structure is a key diagnostic feature used by mycologists when identifying cubensis spores.

Typical characteristics observed in B+ spores include:

Colour
Dark purple-brown pigmentation, which becomes especially visible when spores accumulate in dense groups on microscope slides.

Shape
Elliptical to sub-elliptical, consistent with the morphology commonly seen in cubensis spores.

Surface appearance
Smooth spore walls that allow light to pass clearly through the spore during microscopic observation.

Size range
Generally within the typical cubensis range of approximately 11–14 µm in length and 7–9 µm in width, although small variations can occur between individual samples.

For microscopy observation, B+ spores can usually be examined effectively using magnification levels between 400x and 1000x. At lower magnification levels, clusters of spores can be observed, while higher magnification allows the germ pore and spore shape to become more clearly visible.

Because cubensis spores are relatively large compared to many other fungal species, they are often considered suitable for beginner microscopy study.

Spore Formats: B+ Prints vs Syringes

When collecting B+ spores, they are typically available in two main formats: spore prints and spore syringes. Both formats contain the same microscopic spores but differ in how they are presented and stored.

Understanding the difference between these formats can help collectors choose the option that best suits their microscopy setup.

B+ Spore Prints

A spore print is created when spores naturally fall from the gills of a mature mushroom onto a sterile surface such as foil or paper. Once collected, the spores form a visible dark deposit that can later be transferred to microscope slides for observation.

Spore prints are popular among collectors because they contain a concentrated quantity of spores and can remain viable for extended periods when stored properly. They are also commonly used for long-term spore archiving within microscopy collections.

B+ Spore Syringes

A spore syringe contains spores suspended in sterile distilled water inside a sealed syringe. This liquid format allows small droplets containing spores to be easily placed onto microscope slides.

Many collectors prefer syringes because they simplify slide preparation and make it easier to distribute spores evenly during microscopy observation.

Choosing Between Prints and Syringes

Both formats are suitable for microscopy study. The choice often depends on personal preference and how the spores will be handled during slide preparation.

Collectors who prioritise ease of use often choose spore syringes, while those interested in long-term storage or archiving may prefer spore prints.

If you want to learn more about the differences between these formats, you can explore our dedicated pages on spore syringes and spore prints, where we explain their characteristics and how they are used in microscopy collections.

You can also look at our guide on Spore Syringes vs Spore Prints vs Spore Swabs: What’s the Difference?

B+ Strain Overview

The B+ strain is widely recognised as one of the most well-known varieties of Psilocybe cubensis. Over the past few decades, it has become a staple in microscopy collections due to its widespread availability and long-standing reputation within the mycology community.

Although cubensis strains are genetically very similar at the microscopic level, B+ has gained attention because of its distinctive fruiting body characteristics and consistent appearance. Specimens associated with the strain are often described as having large, well-formed caps with a caramel to golden-brown colour. The stems are typically thick and pale, giving the mushrooms a balanced and recognisable structure.

One reason the B+ strain remains widely referenced is its consistency across generations of spores circulating among collectors. While minor variations can occur, many microscopy enthusiasts report that B+ samples tend to show stable spore morphology consistent with the cubensis species profile.

Because of this reliability, B+ is frequently included in comparative microscopy studies where collectors examine the subtle morphological differences between cubensis strains. When placed alongside strains such as Golden Teacher, Mazatapec, or PE6, B+ spores often serve as a useful reference point for identifying common cubensis features like spore shape, colour, and germ pore structure.

Another factor that contributes to the strain’s reputation is its global circulation within the mycology community. B+ spores have been traded and preserved by collectors for many years, meaning the strain is widely available in both spore print and spore syringe formats.

For these reasons, B+ continues to hold a prominent place in cubensis microscopy collections. Whether used as a reference strain or simply studied for its characteristic spore morphology, it remains one of the most familiar names among spore collectors.

Why B+ Is Popular Among Spore Collectors

The B+ strain has earned a reputation as one of the most commonly collected strains of Psilocybe cubensis. Its popularity among microscopy enthusiasts comes from a combination of accessibility, recognisability, and its long-standing presence within the mycology community.

One of the primary reasons collectors choose B+ spores is their widespread availability. Because the strain has been circulated for many years through spore trading networks and microscopy suppliers, it is often one of the first strains collectors encounter when building a cubensis spore collection.

Another reason B+ remains popular is that it is often considered a baseline strain for comparison. When studying spores under the microscope, collectors frequently compare the morphological features of different cubensis strains. B+ spores are commonly included in these comparisons because they represent a well-known reference point within the species.

For example, collectors may compare B+ spores with those from other strains such as:

• Golden Teacher
• Mazatapec
• PE6
• Blue Meanie

Although the spores of cubensis strains are very similar, subtle variations in shape, density, and distribution on slides can be observed during microscopy. Studying multiple strains helps collectors develop a better understanding of cubensis spore morphology overall.

The name “B+” itself has also contributed to the strain’s enduring recognition. The simple and memorable name makes it easy to identify within strain lists and microscopy catalogues.

Because of these factors, B+ spores are often recommended as a core strain within a cubensis microscopy collection. Many collectors include them alongside several other well-known strains in order to build a diverse set of samples for observation and study.

Comparing B+ With Other Cubensis Strains

When examining spores from different strains of Psilocybe cubensis, the differences between them are often subtle. However, collectors frequently compare strains to better understand how morphology can vary within the species.

The B+ strain is commonly used as a reference point in these comparisons because of its widespread recognition and long history within microscopy collections.

B+ vs Golden Teacher

The Golden Teacher strain is perhaps the most famous cubensis variety. While the spores of Golden Teacher and B+ share the same core characteristics—elliptical shape, dark purple-brown colour, and visible germ pore—collectors often include both strains in microscopy collections due to their cultural popularity and recognisable names.

Golden Teacher is often described as a “classic” cubensis strain, while B+ is frequently considered one of the most widely circulated varieties.

B+ vs Mazatapec

The Mazatapec strain has historical connections to the Mazatec region of Mexico, where cubensis mushrooms have been studied for decades. When observed microscopically, Mazatapec spores show the same general cubensis morphology seen in B+ spores.

Collectors often compare these strains when studying spore density and shape variation across cubensis samples.

B+ vs PE6

The PE6 strain is a hybrid variety developed from the well-known Penis Envy lineage crossed with cubensis genetics. Although the fruiting bodies associated with PE6 may appear different from those of B+, their spores still display the typical cubensis characteristics.

For collectors, PE6 spores provide an interesting contrast to more traditional strains like B+.

B+ vs Blue Meanie (Cubensis)

The cubensis version of Blue Meanie should not be confused with a different species known as Panaeolus cyanescens, which is sometimes also called “Blue Meanies.”

When comparing cubensis strains such as B+ and Blue Meanie, the spores again appear very similar under the microscope. However, collectors often include both strains in microscopy collections due to their popularity and distinct strain histories.

Storage and Longevity of B+ Spores

Like all spores from the species Psilocybe cubensis, B+ spores can remain viable for long periods when stored correctly. Proper storage helps preserve the integrity of the sample and reduces the risk of contamination over time.

The most important factors for long-term spore storage are temperature, light exposure, and moisture control. Spores should always be kept in a cool, dark environment, ideally sealed in their original sterile packaging. Exposure to heat, humidity, or direct sunlight can gradually reduce spore viability and may also increase the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination.

Many collectors choose to store their spore samples in a refrigerator, where stable temperatures help slow biological degradation. Refrigeration is particularly useful for maintaining the quality of spore syringes, which contain spores suspended in sterile water.

Spore prints can also be stored long term when kept dry and protected from environmental exposure. When properly sealed and stored away from moisture, prints may remain usable for many years.

Another important consideration is handling. Each time a sample is opened or transferred, there is a small risk that airborne contaminants could be introduced. Using clean surfaces and sterile tools can help reduce this risk and preserve the sample’s quality.

Collectors who plan to maintain multiple strains often develop a simple storage system that allows them to organise their samples clearly. Labelled containers or sealed storage bags can make it easier to track different strains and ensure that spores remain protected.

For a more detailed explanation of best practices, you can read the storage guide for cubensis spores, which covers long-term preservation methods used by microscopy collectors.

Building a Cubensis Spore Collection

Many microscopy enthusiasts choose to study multiple strains of Psilocybe cubensis rather than focusing on a single sample. Building a small spore collection allows collectors to compare morphology across different strains and develop a deeper understanding of cubensis diversity.

Although cubensis spores share the same fundamental characteristics, subtle differences can sometimes be observed when examining multiple strains under the microscope. These variations may include differences in spore density on slides, clustering patterns, and distribution within samples.

For this reason, collectors often assemble a core set of well-known cubensis strains that serve as reference points for comparison.

A common beginner collection might include:

• Golden Teacher
• B+
• PE6

These strains are widely recognised and frequently referenced in microscopy collections. Studying spores from several well-known strains can help collectors become familiar with the typical cubensis spore morphology, including the characteristic purple-brown colour and elliptical shape.

Another advantage of building a collection is the opportunity to organise samples in different formats. Some collectors prefer spore prints, which provide dense spore deposits on foil or paper, while others use spore syringes for preparing microscope slides more easily.

Over time, collectors may expand their collection to include additional cubensis strains with unique histories or naming conventions. This growing diversity allows for more detailed comparisons and helps deepen an understanding of fungal morphology.

Because of its accessibility and long history in microscopy communities, B+ spores are often included as one of the first strains in a cubensis collection.

Microscopy Tips for Observing B+ Spores

Studying B+ spores under the microscope can be an excellent way to explore the microscopic characteristics of Psilocybe cubensis. While cubensis spores share many similarities across strains, careful observation can reveal important structural details.

The first step in microscopy is preparing a clean microscope slide. A small amount of spores is placed on the slide and mixed with a drop of sterile water before being covered with a coverslip. This allows the spores to spread out evenly, making them easier to observe.

Once the slide is prepared, magnification can be adjusted to reveal different levels of detail. Many collectors begin observations at 400× magnification, which is typically sufficient to identify the overall spore shape and colour. Increasing magnification to 1000× can reveal finer structural features, including the germ pore that is characteristic of cubensis spores.

Lighting also plays an important role in microscopy. Adjusting the microscope’s condenser and light intensity can help improve contrast and make individual spores easier to distinguish from the background.

When viewed under appropriate magnification, B+ spores typically appear as smooth, elliptical structures with a dark purple-brown coloration. These characteristics are consistent with the general morphology of cubensis spores.

Collectors often take notes or photographs during microscopy sessions to document their observations. Over time, building a record of slides from different strains can help highlight the subtle similarities and variations that exist within cubensis samples.

For many collectors, observing spores under the microscope is one of the most fascinating ways to explore fungal biology and gain a deeper appreciation for the microscopic structures that define different species.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are B+ spores?

B+ spores are the reproductive spores produced by the B+ strain of Psilocybe cubensis. Like all fungal spores, they contain the genetic material required for the organism to reproduce. In microscopy contexts, B+ spores are studied under a microscope to observe their structure, colour, and morphology.

The B+ strain is one of the most widely known cubensis strains, making its spores a common addition to microscopy collections and strain comparison studies.

Why are they called B+?

The exact origin of the B+ strain name is somewhat unclear, which is common among many cubensis varieties. The “B+” label is believed to have been used by early collectors and distributors to distinguish the strain from others circulating at the time.

Over the years, the name has become firmly established within microscopy and spore-collecting communities.

What species are B+ spores from?

B+ spores come from the species Psilocybe cubensis. This species is one of the most widely studied psychedelic mushroom species and is known for producing dark purple-brown spores with distinctive elliptical shapes.

Many popular strains, including Golden Teacher, Mazatapec, and Blue Meanie (cubensis variety), all belong to the same species.

What colour are B+ spores?

Like most cubensis spores, B+ spores typically appear dark purple-brown. This colour is visible in both spore prints and microscope slides.

Under magnification, the spores often appear as smooth, oval-shaped structures with a slightly darker region indicating the germ pore.

What magnification is best for observing B+ spores?

B+ spores can usually be observed clearly at around 400× magnification using a standard compound microscope. At this magnification, the general shape and colour of the spores can be seen easily.

Higher magnifications, such as 1000×, can reveal additional details including the germ pore and subtle variations in spore shape.

How do B+ spores compare with other cubensis strains?

B+ spores share the same general morphology as other strains of Psilocybe cubensis. However, collectors often include B+ spores alongside strains like Golden Teacher, Mazatapec, and PE6 when building microscopy collections.

Studying multiple strains allows observers to compare samples and better understand the overall characteristics of cubensis spores.

How long can B+ spores be stored?

When stored correctly in a cool, dark environment, cubensis spores can remain viable for many years. Proper storage conditions help prevent contamination and slow the natural degradation of the spores.

Refrigeration is often used for long-term storage, particularly for spore syringes.

Are B+ spores good for microscopy beginners?

Yes. Because the B+ strain is widely available and well known, its spores are often included in beginner microscopy collections. The clear morphology of cubensis spores makes them relatively straightforward to observe under standard microscope magnifications.

For this reason, B+ spores are commonly studied alongside other well-known cubensis strains.

Conclusion and Further Resources

B+ spores represent one of the most widely recognised strains within the species Psilocybe cubensis. Their long history in microscopy collections and their broad recognition among collectors make them an important reference point when studying cubensis spores.

Throughout this guide, we explored the origins of the B+ strain, the characteristics of its spores, and how these spores appear under the microscope. We also examined how B+ compares with other well-known cubensis strains and why collectors often include it as part of a broader spore collection.

Studying spores under the microscope provides an opportunity to observe the fine structural details that define fungal species. By examining different cubensis strains, collectors can develop a deeper understanding of fungal biology and the diversity that exists within this species.

If you are interested in exploring additional strains, you may also want to learn about:

• Golden Teacher spores
• PE6 spores
• Blue Meanie spores

You can also browse the full range of spore syringes and spore prints available on Mycotown to expand your microscopy collection.

As your collection grows, comparing spores across different cubensis strains can become an increasingly fascinating way to explore the microscopic structures that underpin fungal life.