Peyote, the most popular cactus

If there is a cactus that all or practically all of us know, that is the peyote. When you first see it, it doesn't look like it's much: it's spherical in shape, and it's grayish-green or bluish in color. But if you have the opportunity to contemplate it in flower, you will realize that, in reality, it is an amazing plant, since although it is small, it is very elegant and very beautiful.

Do you want to know more about this amazing plant? Let's go there! 🙂

Peyote characteristics

The name 'peyote' is given to a cactus whose scientific name is Lophophora williamsii, which is an endemic cactus to Mexico. It is well known, not only for its beautiful flowers, but also for its psychoactive alkaloids, among which is mescaline. It has been used for many years as a medicinal plant in America, and today it is even used throughout the world for meditation.

It is characterized by having a very slow growth rate, to the point that may take up to 30 years to reach maturity. It measures about 12cm in diameter by 5cm in height. It is spherical in shape, and the body is divided into 5 to 13 button-shaped segments. It is grayish green to bluish in color. Their areolas do not present any thorn, except when the cactus is young; however, they are covered by a white fluff. The flowers, which are pale pink, emerge from the apex in spring.

Farming

Peyote is a cactus that doesn't really require any special attention. It is very easy to grow, and even supports mild frosts. However, it is necessary to take into account a number of things so that it can develop correctly, which are:

Location

We have to place it in the Exterior, in an area where it is in direct sunlight. In the case of living in an area where the temperature drops below -2ºC in winter, we will put it in a room where a lot of light enters and where there are no drafts.

Irrigation

It is advisable to water with rainwater or lime-free water about 2 times a week in summer, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year. To avoid rotting, in case of doubt we must check the humidity of the substrate. If we don't know how to do it, don't worry. Here's how:

• You can insert a thin wooden stick to the bottom of the pot and then remove it to see how much soil has adhered to it: if it has been little, then it is because it is dry and, therefore, you can water; otherwise, we will have to wait a little longer.
• You can take the pot once watered, and then after a few days. The dry earth weighs much less than the humid one, reason why it is only necessary to memorize (or to write down) the weight that each one has.
• You can use a soil moisture meter, which you will find on sale at nurseries and garden stores. But to be more reliable, insert it in several places in the pot, since the meter only measures the humidity of the soil that comes in direct contact with it, and all the soil may not be equally dry or equally wet.

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During the spring and summer months you should fertilize using mineral fertilizers, such as Nitrofosca by pouring a small spoonful (of coffee) once every fifteen days or a specific one for cacti following the instructions specified on the package.

Transplant

It has to change pot every two years, in spring.

Substratum

The substrate must have very good drainage, so that excess water can drain quickly. So a good mix would be 60% black peat + 30% perlite + 10% river sand.

Pests and problems

The main pest it can have is cottony mealybug if the environment is very dry. Fortunately, it can be removed very easily with a swab from the ears dipped in water, or even with a brush with a narrow bit.

Of course, if we water excessively, it will start to rot at the base and fungi like those of the genus Phytophthora they can kill him. Thus, if we have one that begins to be soft, what we will do is cut to the chase, treat it with a systemic fungicide, let the wound dry for about 10 days, and then plant it in a pot with sand.

Rusticity

Withstands frosts up to -2ºC, as long as they are punctual and of short duration.

How does it multiply?

To have more peyote plants you can do two things: sow the seeds or separate the shoots. Let's see how to proceed in each case:

Siembra

The seeds have to sow in spring, in a pot or seed tray with sand. We will place the seedbed in an area exposed to the sun, or in semi-shade with a lot of light, and we will spray two or three times a week - the drier the climate, the more that must be done. It is important not to water, because if we do the seeds, being very small, we could lose sight of them and end up germinating very close to each other.

If everything goes fine, the first will sprout after 1 month, but we have to have them in the seedbed for a whole year so that they can grow a little. After that time, we can handle them without problems and, therefore, we can change them to individual pots.

Stem separation

Peyote, once it reaches maturity, begins to emit basal shoots. These can be separated carefully in spring or summer, using a knife previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol. Once this is done, we will leave them in a cool area, without direct light, so that the wound heals, which it will do after 7-10 days. After that time, we will moisten its base with water and impregnate it with powdered rooting hormones.

Then we will only have to plant them in pots with river sand and water.

After a maximum of two months they will take root.

Peyote uses

This is a cactus that is used as an ornamental plant, but also, and as you surely know, for its psychedelic effects. Mescaline is one of the most powerful drugs out there, to the point that its effects last around 12 hours. But… is it advisable to try it?

Only if done under medical supervision. You must keep in mind that, although it is not usually fatal, in high doses (of 20mg / kg or more) they can lead a person to commit homicides or even commit suicide, so from here we recommend that you only have it as a collector's cactus.

Peyote is a plant that we can have in a pot throughout its life as it does not grow much. Let's enjoy its beauty 🙂.