PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires low, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can dry out substrate or kill mycelium
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture in growing substrate; avoid waterlogging which promotes mold growth
Temperature
Optimal growth at 24–28°C; avoid temperature fluctuations greater than 5°C to prevent mycelium stress
Characteristics
- Cap: Convex to flat, golden-brown when moist, pale yellow when dry; smooth, slightly sticky texture
- Gills: Adnate attachment, pale gray when young, dark purple-brown as spores mature
- Stem: Cylindrical, whitish with a thin partial veil that leaves a faint ring near the cap
Care Guide
Watering
Keep substrate evenly moist; mist surface daily to maintain humidity
Fertilization
N/A. Nutrients are provided by the organic substrate; no additional fertilization is needed
Composted horse manure substrate：Sterilize substrate with heat to kill competing fungi and bacteria; mix with straw for improved aeration before inoculationPruning
- Remove moldy or contaminated sections of substrate immediately to prevent spread to healthy mycelium
- Harvest mature caps when gills turn dark purple-brown, before spores fully drop to maintain colony health
- Discard spent substrate after harvest to avoid pest infestation and cross-contamination of future grows
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; psilocybin exposure can cause neurological dysfunction and physical distress
Humans: Contains psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that alters perception and mood; ingestion may cause acute psychological distress and physical side effects
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in indigenous Mesoamerican spiritual rituals; illegal for recreational use in most countries
Usage: Controversial psychoactive use; no mainstream ornamental or culinary applications
