The peyote cactus is characterized by its flattened shoots. Unlike many other cactus species, it has no thorns. The cultivation of the peyote is not complex. Only the hibernation is not easy. The cactus can be grown from cuttings or seeds.

Peyote takes care of its own reproduction

Breeding Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

The peyote cactus contains compounds that are psychoactive and are similar to those of mescaline. Therefore consumption is prohibited. However, it is perfectly legal to care for a peyote cactus as long as you do not consume it.

Plants and seeds are available from specialist garden retailers.

Peyote can be propagated either from cuttings or from seeds.

Propagation from cuttings

Use side shoots as cuttings. Cut them clean with a sharp, clean knife. Let the interfaces dry. After a few days, plant the cuttings in prepared small pots with pumice gravel.

Cultivation from seeds

  • Refrigerate seeds
  • Sterilize potting soil
  • Spread seeds thinly
  • do not cover
  • keep moderately moist

The seed must not be too old. It should be stored dry until sowing. In order to increase germination, it is placed in the refrigerator for two weeks a month in advance. It is then kept at room temperature for a further two weeks.

Prepare seed trays with sterilized potting soil. Scatter the seed thinly and leave it uncovered. It is kept only slightly moist.

Cover the pots with cling film or a clear lid. Air the sowing once a day to prevent mold from forming.

Bright location and cool overwintering

To grow a peyote you need a good location. It must be very bright and as sunny as possible. In summer you can also put it outside, as long as the place is protected from the rain.

In order for the peyote to develop flowers, it needs a longer rest period in cool temperatures in winter. They should ideally be around ten degrees. But it shouldn't get much cooler, since peyote is not hardy.

tips

The peyote cactus develops very long taproots. Therefore, plant it in a sufficiently deep pot so that the roots have enough space.

Category:

Vegetable garden