Peyote
lophophora williamsii
Also known as: ["Mescal Button","Cacapolli","Witchman's Button"]
Overview
A small, spineless cactus with button-like growths, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, known for its psychoactive alkaloids.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Lophophora |
| Botanical Name: | Lophophora williamsii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor in arid, well-drained soil
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when damage is observed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or several hours of direct sunlight (4–6 hours/day); adjust for intensity by season (provide shade in intense summer heat).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; avoid sudden exposure to prevent sunburn; provide filtered light in hot climates; rotate regularly for even growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; place near south-facing window in winter; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–14 days during growing season, reduce to monthly in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy mixes; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C) during active growth; tolerate mild frost (down to 23°F or -5°C) if dry; prefer cooler, drier conditions in winter.
Protect from frost if wet; ensure good ventilation in heat; maintain dry soil in cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; use cactus-specific fertilizer; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of offsets; seed propagation is possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep lightly moist.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid (50–60%), and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand; slightly moist but not wet.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Ensure cutting calluses before planting; avoid overwatering; provide gentle warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut cleanly with sterile tools; avoid removing healthy tissue; allow cuts to callus before handling.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged tissue to maintain health and shape.
Tools
Sterile knife or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use sterile tools; cut only dead/damaged parts; allow cuts to dry; dispose of trimmings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove carefully to avoid root damage; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; allow to settle before watering.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary (e.g., outgrowing pot, root-bound); infrequent repotting is preferred.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain freely; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or purpling of skin; stunted growth; bud drop; soft, mushy tissue (rot) in cold; wilting or shriveling in heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures combined with moisture cause cellular damage, leading to rot and death; slows metabolic processes.
Solution: Ensure soil is completely dry before cold periods; move indoors or to a frost-free location; provide gentle bottom heat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat with poor ventilation or water stress causes dehydration, sunburn, and scorching of the skin.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water sparingly if soil is dry; mist lightly (if needed) in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the psychoactive compounds in Lophophora williamsii. Ingestion can cause severe neurological effects, including disorientation, tremors, and seizures, alongside gastrointestinal distress. The alkaloids may also lead to cardiovascular stress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lophophora williamsii can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological disturbances, and potential toxicity due to mescaline and other alkaloids. The psychoactive effects can cause disorientation, agitation, and behavioral changes, while physiological effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLophophora williamsii, commonly known as Peyote, contains psychoactive alkaloids, primarily mescaline, which can induce profound hallucinations, altered perception, and psychological distress. Physiologically, it may cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Chronic use can lead to persistent psychological effects and potential neurotoxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Peyote legal to cultivate?
A: Legal status varies by region; it is often restricted due to its psychoactive properties.
Q: How often should Peyote be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Peyote?
A: Historically used by indigenous cultures for spiritual and medicinal purposes, though its use is now highly regulated.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days during growi |
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