Last updated: March 25, 2026

Manuals for growing magic mushrooms and mescaline cacti

On this page, you’ll find all the manuals for our grow kits, instructional videos, and a comprehensive grow guide. Download or print the manual for your specific kit before you begin. Two factors determine the success of your grow: hygiene and patience. Everything else you need is included in the kit.

Instructional videos

Setting up a magic mushroom grow kit

In this video, we walk through all the steps of setting up a magic mushroom grow kit: from soaking the substrate to placing it in the grow bag. Keep the visual guide handy for a complete overview.

Setting up a mescaline cactus grow kit

This video shows how to set up a cactus grow kit. Growing cacti is fundamentally different from growing magic mushrooms: it requires much more patience (germination time 1 to 4 weeks, growth time years) but less daily attention.

Growing magic mushrooms: the basics

All the mushrooms you can grow with us belong to the species Psilocybe cubensis, the most common and easiest-to-grow psychedelic mushroom in the world. The grow kits contain a substrate that is fully colonized with mycelium, the white fungal network from which the mushrooms grow. Your task is to create the right conditions so that this mycelium can form fruiting bodies (mushrooms).

Temperature

The ideal temperature for Psilocybe cubensis is between 21°C and 25°C. A constant temperature is more important than the exact degrees. Fluctuations between day and night disrupt the growth process. Do not place your grow kit near a window where the sun shines in or near a radiator. Below 20°C, growth slows significantly and the mushrooms may not emerge at all. Above 28°C, the risk of contamination increases.

A heating mat can help keep the temperature stable, especially during the winter months. Never place the grow kit directly on the heating mat; instead, use a coaster or rack to allow air to circulate.

Humidity

Mushrooms are 90% water and require a relative humidity of 80 to 95%. During the first week, when the mycelium is developing, the humidity may reach 100%. As soon as the first mushrooms appear, reduce this to 85 to 90% by opening the bag more frequently.

The included grow bag creates a microclimate. The water you add to the bottom of the bag evaporates slowly and keeps the air moist. Lightly mist the inside of the bag daily using a plant sprayer set to mist mode. Never spray directly onto the substrate or the mushrooms themselves, as this increases the risk of contamination.

Light

Mushrooms need light as a growth signal, but not for photosynthesis. Indirect daylight is sufficient. Avoid direct sunlight: this can cause the temperature in the bag to rise too high and dry out the substrate.

Ventilation

Fresh air is essential. Mycelium produces_CO2 during growth, and too much_CO2 leads to long, thin stems with small caps. Open the bag daily for a few minutes to let in fresh air. Gently wave your hand to circulate the air, but never breathe into the bag. Your breath contains bacteria and fungal spores that can contaminate the culture.

Step by step: your first grow kit

Most of the grow kits we sell are 100% mycelium kits. The substrate is fully colonized and ready to produce mushrooms. Always consult the specific manual for your kit (see above) for exact instructions. Below is a general overview.

Preparation

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use sterile gloves. Clean your workspace. Gather all materials: the grow kit, the included bag, paperclips, and a plant sprayer filled with clean water. Work in a draft-free area.

Getting Started

With most 100% mycelium grow kits, you do not need to add water to the substrate. Remove the lid and set it aside for later. Pour approximately 150 ml of water into the grow bag (not into the grow tray). Place the grow tray without the lid into the bag with the opening facing up. Fold the top over and secure with the paperclips. The bag has built-in air filters.

Growing phase

Place the grow kit in a location with indirect daylight and a stable temperature of 21 to 25°C. Lightly spray the inside of the bag daily. After 5 to 14 days, the first pinheads will appear: small white balls that grow into mushrooms. As soon as the pinheads are visible, open the bag a little more often for extra ventilation.

Harvest

Harvest when the membranes under the caps are about to tear but are still intact. At this point, the psilocybin concentration is highest. Do not wait until the caps have fully opened, as the spores will then fall onto the substrate and reduce the potency of subsequent harvests. Grasp the base of the stem and gently twist the mushroom loose. Do not pull straight up.

Multiple harvests (flushes)

A good grow kit yields 2 to 4 harvests. After each harvest, fill the grow box with cold tap water, place the lid on top, and let it soak for 12 hours in the refrigerator (cold shocking). Carefully pour off the excess water and resume the growing process. The total yield can reach 400 to 800 grams of fresh mushrooms per kit.

Popular varieties and their characteristics

All grow kits contain varieties of Psilocybe cubensis. Although they belong to the same species, the varieties differ in growth rate, yield, and potency.

B+: The most recommended choice for beginners. Resilient, forgives minor errors in temperature or humidity. Large mushrooms with thick stems and caramel-colored caps. Mild to moderate potency.

Golden Teacher: Golden-yellow caps, up to 8 cm in diameter. Grows slightly slower than B+. Often described as philosophical and insightful. Suitable for those who want to gain a bit more experience.

McKennaii: Named after ethnobotanist Terence McKenna. One of the strongest cubensis strains in our selection. Intense visual effects and profound introspection. For experienced users only.

Mexican: One of the oldest known cubensis strains, used ritually for thousands of years in Central America. Moderate potency, playful and euphoric character. Grows quickly and reliably.

Thai and Cambodian: Asian strains known for high yields and rapid growth. Energetic and social profile.

XL grow kits (2100cc): For larger quantities. Available as Mexican XXL, Golden Teacher XXL, and B+ XXL. Up to 80% higher yield than the standard 1200cc kits.

Growing Cacti: San Pedro and Peyote

Growing mescaline cacti is fundamentally different from growing mushrooms. While magic mushrooms are ready within weeks, a cactus takes months to years. The reward is a plant you can maintain for years.

San Pedro (Trichocereus Pachanoi)

The San Pedro cactus originates from the Andes and has been used there in shamanic rituals for over 3,000 years. San Pedro grows relatively quickly for a cactus: up to 30 to 40 cm per year under optimal conditions. Germination time varies from 1 to 4 weeks at 20 to 30°C. The plant needs plenty of light, thrives best on a south-facing windowsill, and can withstand temperatures down to -9°C. Water when the soil is completely dry.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Peyote is a small, spherical, spineless cactus native to the deserts of Mexico and South Texas. Peyote grows extremely slowly: only a few millimeters per year. A mature specimen measuring 10 to 12 cm may be 10 to 15 years old. Use mineral-rich soil (50% sand, 25% perlite, 25% potting mix) and water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering quickly leads to root rot.

Identifying and resolving problems

Contamination

Healthy mycelium is white with a fresh, earthy scent. Any color other than white may indicate contamination, with two exceptions: blue spots caused by damage to the mycelium (a harmless oxidation reaction of psilocin), and yellow discoloration may indicate mycelium defending itself against bacteria.

Green spots indicate Trichoderma or Penicillium. If there is extensive green contamination, the kit cannot be saved. Dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag and start over in a clean environment. A rotten smell indicates bacterial contamination, often caused by too much moisture or unsterile water. In that case, too, the kit is lost.

Temperature issues

Thick white threads protruding from the substrate: too warm. Lower the temperature to 23–24°C. No pinheads after 3 weeks: probably too cold. Raise the temperature or use a heating mat.

Humidity problems

Cracks in the caps: too dry. Check if there is enough water in the bag and mist more often. White fuzzy growth on the stems (fuzzy feet): insufficient ventilation. Open the bag more often.

Dosage and safe use (18+)

After harvesting, you’ll want to know how much to take. The correct dosage depends on your body weight, experience, and the potency of the mushrooms. Use our magic mushroom and truffle calculator to estimate a dosage.

As a guideline: 10 to 15 grams of fresh mushrooms will give you a mild trip, 15 to 25 grams a moderate one, and 25 to 35 grams a strong one. Dried magic mushrooms are approximately 10 times stronger by weight: 1 to 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms is equivalent to 10 to 15 grams of fresh mushrooms. Always start with a lower dose when trying a new strain. Only consume mushrooms in a safe, familiar environment with a sober trip sitter present. Never combine with alcohol or other substances.

Growing Supplies

In addition to grow kits, we sell various accessories that support the growing process. A heating mat keeps the temperature stable, a thermostat provides precise control, and sterile gloves prevent contamination. Vermiculite helps regulate moisture in the substrate. View the full selection in the growing supplies category.

More information

Want to know more about psilocybin, its effects, or safe use? Visit kennisbank.dutch-smart.nl for in-depth articles. On our blog, we regularly publish guides, growing tips, and news. Do you have questions about a specific grow kit? Contact us via customer service.

Dutch-Smart has been operating as an online smart shop and head shop since 2011, based in Helmond (Chamber of Commerce 81180772). Our products comply with Dutch legislation. We operate under the supervision of the NVWA and are HACCP-certified.

The cultivation of psilocybin-containing mushrooms for personal use is tolerated in the Netherlands via grow kits. The sale of fresh mushrooms has been prohibited since 2008. Grow kits, spores, and mycelium are not covered by this ban. For persons 18 years of age and older only.