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At first glance, Enigma may look like something from a Sci-Fi movie, but they are not that scary. Instead, they are simply a mutation of Psilocybe cubensis species. This fascinating mutation leads to them looking somewhat like a coral formation or even cauliflower.
Unlike other "regular" P. cubensis mushrooms, Enigma can take months to be ready for harvesting but it doesn't come without a reward. They are well known for their high potency and strong psychoactive effects. For many years this interesting strain was hard to get or even find information about them adding a layer of mystery to the already enigmatic world of psychedelic mushrooms.
Enigma mushrooms stand out due to their unique appearance and growth patterns. Unlike typical Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, which have caps, Enigma mushrooms form dense, coral-like blobs that resemble brains, cauliflower, broccoli, or a coral reef. These blobs are dense, slow-growing, and often have a bluish tint.
They are thought to be a mutation originating from the Tidalwave cubensis strain, which is a cross-hybrid of the well-known B+ and Penis Envy strains. Although technically not a 'strain' in the traditional sense, Enigma mushrooms are the result of crossbreeding two types of mushrooms that do not naturally interbreed, leading to a "blob mutation" and unusual growth pattern.
One notable aspect of Enigma mushrooms is their inability to produce spores, making them sterile. This sterility problem means that they can only be reproduced by cloning. For a long time, Enigma mushrooms were available exclusively to select groups of mycologists and growers. However, they have recently become more accessible, with Enigma liquid cultures now available from various online retailers that can be found on Fungimaps.
Some people claim that Enigma mushrooms are more potent than other strains of Psilocybe cubensis, including the famous Penis Envy mushroom. However, the reality is more complex. The potency depends on multiple different factors, such as genetics, growing conditions, and a variety of external factors.
The most recent Oakland Hyphae Cup Report, which reviews and analyzes lab-tested mushroom strains, recognized three different Enigma mushrooms. For instance, Enigma B has a potency of 9.3 milligrams of psilocybin per gram, while Enigma Tony contains 8.4 milligrams of psilocybin per gram. In contrast, Enigma Revert has only 1.8 milligrams of psilocybin per gram, illustrating how significantly environmental and growth conditions can affect potency.
There's an old saying that "cube is a cube," which implies that all P. cubensis strains are pretty much the same. However, some will argue that strains lead to unique trip experiences, while others believe that the only real difference lies in the potency. Regardless of your opinion, potency does play a crucial role in the strength of your trip, and for the most part, Enigma mushrooms are potent.
Enigma effects are similar to those of other psilocybin-containing species. Typically, it involves altered mood, perception, and thought patterns. Those unfamiliar with magic mushrooms often think of the trip as solely involving visual hallucinations, but this is not the only thing that a person experiences. While hallucinations occur for the most part they may be fun to observe, but the true meaningful and even life-changing insights are gained from those shifts in thought patterns and perception. Mood changes can range from euphoria and a sense of connectedness to the universe to feelings of anxiety or paranoia. Therefore, it's essential to have a positive mindset and be in a familiar environment in which you feel safe. This will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience while tripping on Enigma mushrooms.
Cultivating Enigma mushrooms is relatively straightforward, though success isn't guaranteed. This variety grows similarly to other cubensis types, but some growers find it a bit more challenging compared to "normal" looking species. For the substrate, you can use a mix of coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum (CVG) combined with cow manure, various grain types, or compost.
The mycelium colonizes quickly and vigorously, with pinning starting soon after Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) is introduced. However, once pinning begins Enigma starts producing clusters that form larger blobs. It's important to stay patient when growing Enigma mushrooms. Despite the fast mycelium colonization, they grow slowly compared to other P. cubensis strains, taking up to six weeks to harvest. During this period it's important to maintain a high humidity of around 90%. Due to the extended fruiting period and high humidity, Enigma mycelium is prone to contamination over time, therefore it's important to maintain a clean and fresh growing environment.
Spores are introduced to the growth media during the inoculation process. It's important to sterilize the growing medium before starting to clear it from any possible contamination. Also, make sure to work in a clean and sterilized environment, preferably under a laminar flow hood or in the still air box.
Equipment
Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe your workspace, gloves, and equipment you are going to use.
Take your liquid culture syringe and inject anywhere from 1–5cc of the culture through the inoculation port.
If using an old liquid culture that has been used before make sure to flame sterilize the needle before inoculation.
Store the bag in a warm place away from direct sunlight at temperatures ranging from 75 and 79 °F.
In the next 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the environmental conditions, the grain bag should be fully colonized. Make sure to inspect the bags regularly for signs of contamination. If you notice any discolorations or mold growth discard the bag immediately.
This is a process in which you will mix the grain spawn with the fruiting substrate for Enigma to fruit. There are a lot of options for premade fruiting substrates available online, which usually consist of coco coit, vermiculite, and gypsum. This combination is a great starting point for growing Enigma mushrooms.
Equipment
Add the substrate to the fruiting chamber.
Pour the water into the pot and bring it to a boil. Depending on how much substrate you use you will have to adjust the water ratio. A general guideline is to use 6 cups of water per 5 lbs of substrate.
Pour the boiling water into the fruiting chamber and mix everything thoroughly.
Close the lid and let the substrate pasteurize for 20 minutes.
Let the substrate cool down to room temperature and add the colonized grains.
Mix everything well and lightly press the fruiting substrate until leveled.
Close the lid and let the substrate colonize for 2 to 3 weeks.
After a couple of weeks, the substrate will be fully colonized and little mushroom pins will start to appear. At this stage, you need to adjust humidity levels to around 90%. You can do this by misting the fruiting chamber using a spray bottle and clean water at least 3 times per day. Also, make sure to fan the fruiting chamber after each misting to promote the fresh air exchange.
Patience is key when growing Enigma mushrooms, as they have a slow fruiting process which can take up to 8 weeks until harvest. Pay close attention to the mushrooms every single day until they are ready to harvest, they might be hard to grow but the yields are rewarding and satisfying.
If you are interested in growing your own Enigma mushrooms, Fungimaps has great resources that you can check and get your hands on some top-tier growing supplies.
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