Origin and Natural Habitat
Lophophora williamsii is native to South Texas and some areas of Mexico.
These plants were grown from seed in South Africa, and were not imports or degrafts.
Plant Characteristics
Lophophora williamsii v. caespitosa, commonly known as the peyote, is a globose gray-green cactus divided into 5-6 hemispheres. They are thornless and have minute white tufts on the areoles. This variety of Lophophora williamsii offsets profusely (‘caespitose’) and can produce large clusters of hundreds of individual heads if it gets old enough. Produces light pink flowers.
Care Guide
Light
Lophophora williamsii can tolerate morning sun if carefully adjusted to it. However, it is best to grow this species under at least 60% shade net, as it is sensitive to too much sun.
Soil
Lophophora williamsii v. caespitosa is quite fussy about its soil. This cactus should only be planted in a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
Thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water Lophophora in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in autumn and winter. Lophophora are extremely prone to rot if watered in winter.
Pot size
Lophophora williamsii v. caespitosa are relatively small cacti. This specific variety can form quite large clumps after 10-15 years, if grown properly. Small plants can be grown in 10cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 3-5cm wider than their stem diameter.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 25 – 35°C. It can tolerate 5 – 35°C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Lophophora williamsii are sensitive to humidity, particularly during winter. This species tends to rot in high humidity. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
The peyote cactus grows actively in spring and summer, and is fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, its growing season is from October until late February.
Propagation
Lophophora williamsii v. caespitosa are best propagated from seed.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant them in a well-drained coco peat based mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out completely. Plant out after 1 year.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, clean knife, cut one of the stems of the Lophophora from the main stem. Let this dry for 10 days, then plant it. The best time to propagate is early spring.
