Peyote Cultivation (Starting from seeds)

Peyote seedlings.

Peyote is a small globular cactus belonging to the genus Lophophora; the species is called Williamsii. It should not be confused with L. Diffusa, the second best-known species of this genus. You can find some specific information about this plant and other cacti used by native South American populations in their rituals in the post Peyote.
Here we will learn how it can be grown optimally from seed while reducing effort. Remember that the best period to begin cultivation is at the start of spring, even during the last days of February. An alternative is to build an incubation chamber to germinate the seeds more effectively and in a controlled way, reducing losses caused by temperature fluctuations or insufficient light.
If you want more general information about succulent cultivation, visit the post: How to grow a succulent starting from seed.

The first step in cultivation is obviously obtaining the seeds. You can search for them in specialized plant shops; however, they are rare because this species is mainly cultivated by enthusiasts, so it is easier to find them online.

Once you have obtained the seeds, you must prepare the substrate. The soil should consist of a small amount of sand and general potting soil, and a larger proportion of mineral materials (approximately 15%, 25%, and 60% respectively). Since the seedlings will have very small and delicate roots, it is advisable to sift the sand and soil through a fine mesh sieve. Large pieces of soil tend to absorb more water, creating uneven moisture in the substrate, which in the long term can lead to mold growth or slowed development. The mineral component (pumice or lava rock) is essential to provide lightness to the mix, which would otherwise tend to compact. Mineral materials also improve oxygen circulation in the substrate and increase its ability to drain excess water.
After preparing the soil, you need a plastic tray or container with a lid and drainage holes at the bottom. It does not need to be very large since Peyote grows slowly; moreover, it is easier to monitor the development of the seedlings. The substrate should be thoroughly watered and drained, preferably with rainwater. It is essential that the soil is not soaking wet, and it should be lightly compacted so it does not move excessively. Leave the soil uncovered overnight so that it can fully absorb moisture and release excess humidity. When touched, the soil should feel moist but not overly wet.

Young Peyote plants.

Now you can place the seeds on the soil surface and close the container. It should be kept in a fairly bright place that is not too hot; an ideal temperature range is between 20°C and 30°C.
Every day, remember to remove the condensation that forms on the walls of the container to prevent mold or algae growth (a paper towel works well). Opening the container also ensures air circulation, which is essential for the plants.
After two or three weeks, the first sprouts will begin to appear as tiny green spheres (see Cactus Sprout). Continue keeping the container closed until the first spines appear and the seedlings begin to take on a spherical shape. A few days after spine formation, the plants will be strong enough to tolerate transplanting into pots.
To transplant them, remove the lid permanently and allow the soil to dry gradually. A few days later, when the soil is fairly dry, transfer the seedlings into pots. You may plant them individually in small pots or in groups. Before placing the plants in the pots, fill them with succulent soil and place them in a basin of water so that, through capillary action, water travels through the drainage holes and moistens the entire substrate.

Peyote seedlings with spines, ready for repotting.

Allow the pots to drain, then, with extreme care to avoid damaging the seedlings, place them on the soil. To plant them, you can make a small hole with a toothpick or pencil and insert the root portion of the seedling. Finally, add a layer of coarse sand (aquarium sand works perfectly) to cover the soil and protect the plant without burying it completely.

At this stage the plants are not yet mature enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, so they should still be kept in a place protected from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Growth will be very slow during the first months, but once the plant reaches one year of age its growth rate will increase significantly.
Remember to moisten the soil occasionally while avoiding direct watering of the seedlings (you can also use a spray bottle for watering).

Special care instructions:

• Do not water the plant directly to avoid mold growth;
• Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but not excessively wet;
• Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight;
• Rainwater is recommended, as it is the only type of water the plant naturally receives;
• The pots should be wide and deep enough (according to the plant size) to allow proper root development;
• When the plant begins to produce spines, its possession may become illegal in some jurisdictions because of mescaline production. The plant typically begins producing mescaline after about 8–10 years.