How to Grow and Care for Peyote Cactus

The peyote cactus, Lophophora williamsii, is a small, slow-growing plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It has a unique, spineless, button-like appearance and grows in clusters low to the ground. The body of the cactus is a blue-green color and features small tufts of soft, white wool in place of sharp spines. In its natural habitat, it can take more than a decade to reach maturity from seed. This cactus has a significant history, used for centuries in the religious ceremonies and traditional medicine of indigenous North American cultures. A mature plant may produce small, pinkish-white flowers during the summer.

Legality of Growing Peyote

In the United States, peyote is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law due to the presence of mescaline, a psychoactive alkaloid. This makes general cultivation, possession, or distribution of the plant illegal for most of the public. The penalties can be significant and may fall under laws related to illegal drug manufacturing, which often carry felony charges.

An exemption exists for religious purposes. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994 protect the ceremonial use of peyote by members of the Native American Church (NAC). This law allows NAC members to legally possess, transport, and use peyote as part of their religious practices, safeguarding long-standing cultural traditions.

The legal status of peyote varies outside the United States. In Canada, the cactus is exempt from the list of controlled substances, making it legal to possess and grow. However, extracting mescaline remains illegal. In the United Kingdom, it is legal to grow peyote as an ornamental plant, but preparing it for consumption is prohibited.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

Lophophora williamsii requires bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window with light filtered by a sheer curtain is an effective setup. Direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, can cause sunburn, so careful placement is important for its health.

Soil

The growing medium must be exceptionally well-draining and gritty, as the plant’s large taproot is highly susceptible to rot in damp conditions. A simple and effective mix can be created by combining one part standard potting soil with one part a mineral component like perlite or pumice, and one part coarse sand. This mixture ensures that water flows through quickly, protecting the sensitive root system from decay.

Watering

Improper watering is a common cause of failure. Use a “soak and dry” approach, which involves watering the plant thoroughly and then waiting for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. For most indoor environments, this may mean watering only once every few weeks during the active growing season. During the winter dormancy period, watering should be reduced drastically to once a month or less.

Temperature and Dormancy

Peyote requires a seasonal temperature change to promote healthy growth and flowering. During its active season from spring through fall, it prefers warm temperatures between 70 and 90°F (21-32°C). The cactus needs a cool, dry dormancy period during winter. For several months, keep it in a location with temperatures between 40 and 50°F (4-10°C). This rest period helps stimulate flower production in the spring.

Fertilizer

This cactus has modest nutritional needs. Peyote benefits from a minimal application of fertilizer only during its peak growing season in spring and summer. A diluted, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer can be applied once or twice during this period. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, as this can disrupt its natural cycle.

Repotting and Propagation

Repotting

Repotting is infrequent, as the cactus grows slowly. Peyote has a large, fleshy taproot that stores water and nutrients, so it should be grown in a deep pot that provides ample vertical space. Repotting is only necessary every few years when the plant has outgrown its container.

When it is time to repot, gently remove the cactus from its old pot and carefully brush away any compacted soil from the roots. Place it in a new, deep pot with fresh, well-draining soil mix at the same depth it was previously. Wait about a week before watering to allow any root damage to heal, which helps prevent rot.

Propagation

Peyote can be propagated from seeds or from offsets (pups). Growing from seed is a test of patience, as the germination and growth process is exceptionally slow; it can take several years for a seedling to reach even a small diameter. Sow seeds on the surface of a sterile, sandy soil mix, keep them moist and warm, and provide bright, indirect light.

A faster method is using offsets that grow from the base of the mature plant. Once a pup has reached a reasonable size, it can be carefully removed with a clean, sharp knife. Set the detached offset in a dry, shaded location for several days to a week. This allows the cut surface to form a protective callus, which is an important step to prevent rot. After callousing, plant the offset in a suitable cactus mix.

Common Peyote Problems

Root Rot

Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage. When the soil remains wet, the plant’s large taproot begins to decay. The primary signs include a soft, mushy, or discolored base of the cactus. This condition is difficult to reverse, so prevention through proper watering and a gritty soil mix is the best approach.

Pests

Peyote can host pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny and create fine webbing on the plant. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses in the woolly tufts or at the base. For small infestations, dab pests with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Etiolation

Etiolation, or stretching, occurs in insufficient light. The peyote will grow in a stretched, elongated, and pale shape instead of its natural low, globular form. To resolve this, gradually move the cactus to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight.

Sunburn

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the cactus, causing permanent scarred patches on its skin that may be white, yellow, or reddish-brown. This damage occurs when the plant is exposed to intense sun without gradual acclimation. Protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun by providing filtered or indirect light.