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 learn more about this amazing plant? Let's go!
Peyote characteristics
The name 'peyote' is given to a cactus whose scientific name is Lophophora williamsii, which is a cactus endemic to Mexico. It is well known not only for its beautiful flowers but also for its psychoactive alkaloids, including mescaline. It has been used for many years as a medicinal plant in the Americas, and is now even used for meditation around the world.
It is characterized by having a very slow growth rate, to the point that may take up to 30 years to reach maturityIt measures about 12 cm in diameter by 5 cm in height. It is spherical in shape, with the body divided into 5 to 13 button-shaped segments. It is grayish-green to bluish in color. Its areoles are spineless, except when the cactus is young; however, they are covered with a white fuzz. The flowers, which are pale pink, emerge from the apex in spring.
Cultivation
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 receives direct sunlight. If you live in an area where the winter temperature drops below -2ºC, place it in a room with plenty of light and no drafts. Proper care of peyote cactus, location is key.
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 adding a small spoonful (coffee spoonful) once every two weeks or one specifically for cacti following the instructions on the package. For effective fertilization, it is recommended to consult the crass and succulent as reference.
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 sandIn this context, it is useful to know more about the globular cacti that share similar characteristics.
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. Place the seed tray in a sunny area, or in semi-shade with plenty of light, and spray two or three times a week—the drier the climate, the more often. It's important not to water, as if you do, the seeds, being very small, could be lost from view, and end up germinating close together.
If everything goes fine, the first will sprout after 1 month, but we need to keep them in the seedbed for a whole year so they can grow a little. After that time, we can handle them without any problems and, therefore, we can transfer them to individual pots. For a complete guide on sowing, it is advisable to check out Peyote cultivation and care.
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 rubbing alcohol. Once this is done, we'll leave them in a cool area, away from direct light, to allow the wound to heal, which it will do after 7-10 days. After that time, we'll moisten the base with water and apply 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 can be kept in a pot for its entire life as it doesn't grow very large. Let's enjoy its beauty.
I would like to have a specimen of this wonderful medicinal plant …….
Hi Luis.
I recommend you look in a cactus nursery. If you are in Spain, it is usually sold a lot in those places.
Greetings.
(Mexico City). During this year, my Deer has flowered three times. Something unusual, the penultimate time was on September 7. And on the 15th it bloomed again, only now with 3 little flowers.
Hi Berenice.
Yes, sometimes if they are very comfortable, they bloom 2 and 3 times. Congratulations 🙂
Thank you very much for the article. Very interesting and clear!
I just wanted to ask one thing regarding stem separation. If I understand correctly, once separated it has to be left out of the ground (with the root in the air) for 7 days for the wound to heal. Have I understood it correctly? Thanks!
The information is very good, but the part that says that we can kill someone or kill ourselves under the effects of mescaline is misleading, that does not happen like that
Hello Ivan.
Thanks for your comment.
About the effects, in high doses (we are talking about, minimum, 20mg / kg) I read that, it could be dangerous. But if you know of a study that says it is safe, please let us know.
regards