The peyote cactus doesn't have the best reputation. It contains psychoactive substances similar to LSD. However, caring for this type of cactus is not prohibited, only consumption is not permitted. How to care for the peyote cactus.
How do you properly care for a peyote cactus?
Proper care of a peyote cactus includes regular watering with soft water during the growth phase, monthly fertilization from April to August, occasional repotting in nutrient-poor substrate, no cutting and a cool winter break with reduced watering. Also be aware of possible pests and diseases.
How do you properly water a peyote cactus?
During the growth phase from April to September, water the peyote cactus regularly without allowing it to become waterlogged. Any water standing in the saucer must be poured out immediately.
Use only soft water for watering. Rainwater is best.
How to fertilize the cactus?
From April to the end of August, give the peyote cactus some liquid fertilizer at monthly intervals (€6.00 on Amazon). Special cactus fertilizers are ideal. But you can also give fertilizer for green plants. However, you should reduce the dose.
When is repotting indicated?
If the previous pot has become too small, take the peyote cactus out of the pot and shake off the old substrate. Fill a slightly larger pot with nutrient-poor substrate. Pumice gravel or special soil for cacti is suitable. Make sure the pot is deep enough as Lophophora williamsii develops a long taproot. Plant the peyote carefully.
After repotting, the peyote cactus is not fertilized for several months.
Can you cut a peyote cactus?
Peyote is not cut. Only if you want to grow new cuttings, cut off the outer shoots directly above the root.
What diseases and pests can occur?
- Root rot
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
- Root lice
If the peyote cactus is kept too moist or too cool, especially in winter, there is a risk of root rot.
What does peyote care look like in winter?
Lophophora williamsii is not hardy, but like many cactus species, it needs a cool winter break to develop many flowers. During this time, keep the cactus as cool as possible. Ten degrees is optimal.
The cooler it is at the location, the less you can water the peyote cactus.
Tip
Peyote cactus (botan. Lophophora williamsii) is usually grown from seeds. Seeds can be legally purchased commercially or can be obtained from the ripe fruits.
