Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Also known as: Whiskey cactus

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small, thornless cactus with a rounded, button-like form. It features a smooth, bluish-green to grayish-green surface, typically adorned with fine, woolly tufts. As the cactus matures, these tufts enlarge and can take on a golden-yellow or dark brown hue.

The flowers of peyote are small and funnel-shaped, ranging in color from pale pink to white. They emerge from the top of the cactus during the summer months, opening during the day and closing at night. These blooms are followed by the development of small, elongated fruits that contain the plant's seeds.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Peyote

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Height

2 cm to 7 cm

Spread

4 cm to 12 cm

Leaf Color

No leaves

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink

Images of Peyote

Quickly Identify Peyote

Dome-like, fleshy body with spineless, low, rounded sections.

Clusters of pale yellow to white woolly hairs at the apex of lobes.

Small, pink or white star-shaped flowers with fuzzy stamens.

Club-shaped, pink-hued fruit measuring 0.7-1 inch (1.8-2.5 cm).

Low, rounded stem with tufts of yellow-white hairs and smooth texture.

Scientific Classification of Peyote

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Cactuses

Genus

Lophophora

Species

Peyote

Planting and Growing of Peyote

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every day

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Peyote?

When watering Lophophora williamsii, you should aim to give it around 30 milliliters at a time. The idea is to moisten the soil moderately, allowing the roots to absorb moisture without water accumulation. The soil should be dry before you water again, maintaining that delicate moisture balance crucial for cactus health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Peyote? ›

What should I do if my Peyote is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Peyote? ›

How to save an overwatered Peyote? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Peyote?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

For Lophophora williamsii, full sun exposure is ideal, as it enhances its charm and resilience. This exposure replicates natural habitat conditions, promoting optimal health and flowering.

What is the ideal amount of sunlight? ›

How can I achieve the ideal light conditions? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Peyote?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 85℉

Lophophora williamsii, a cactus native to desert environments, thrives in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. This temperature range mimics its natural habitat, promoting robust growth and healthy cellular function. Keeping the plant in this range not only optimizes photosynthesis but also aids in water retention, preventing dehydration.

What Soil is Best for Peyote?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lophophora williamsii requires excellent drainage in its soil to prevent root rot. Fast-draining soil ensures water doesn’t sit in the pot, mimicking the arid desert conditions it naturally thrives in. This plant does not need nutrient-rich soil. Low nutrient soil allows it to mimic the stress conditions encountered in its natural habitat and assists in maintaining its compact growth form. Loose soil is crucial for root development and growth. Lophophora williamsii benefits from loosely packed soil as it aids air circulation around the roots, promoting healthier plant growth.

How to Fertilize Peyote?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lophophora williamsii needs light fertilization due to its native arid environment. Use a diluted cactus fertilizer, at half the recommended strength, to avoid damaging the roots.

How to Prune Peyote?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

To prune Lophophora williamsii, begin by ensuring your tools are sharp and sterilized. Carefully inspect the cactus for any signs of rot or damage and remove these parts gently. Trim any excess growth to encourage more uniform development. Be cautious not to remove more than 25% of the plant at once to avoid stress.

How to Propagate Peyote plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Start by sterilizing the seeds using a mild fungicide solution to prevent mold growth. Sow the seeds on a well-draining cactus mix, ensuring they are placed evenly and at the soil's surface.

After sowing, maintain the humidity by covering the seed tray with a transparent lid and place it in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure to protect tender seedlings.

For grafting, select a healthy rootstock and scion. Make precise cuts on both stems and press them together, securing them with rubber bands or grafting tape until they fuse.

How to Repot Peyote plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lophophora williamsii should be repotted when you notice it's outgrowing its container, roots emerging from the pot's drainage holes, or the soil has become old and compacted. Repotting in the growing months of spring or early summer ensures the cactus can establish itself in fresh soil during the active growing season.

Choose a shallow, wide pot that has ample drainage holes. The width of the pot should allow for any future growth, but beware of too large a pot, as excess soil can retain moisture and cause root rot. A terracotta pot can be beneficial as it helps regulate moisture through natural evaporation.

For Lophophora williamsii, use a well-draining cactus mix combined with grit or perlite. The key is excellent drainage to prevent root rot, which these cacti are highly susceptible to in overly wet conditions. A gritty mix also mimics their native arid environment, promoting healthier root growth.

Toxicity of Peyote

Is Peyote toxic to cat?

Peyote presents a moderate toxic risk to cats, which means that pet owners must stay alert to prevent their feline companions from eating any portion of this plant. If cats ingest parts of peyote, they may suffer from physical ailments or exhibit symptoms of illness that suggest poisoning. Given that every part of peyote is toxic, any exposure should trigger prompt action—particularly if ingestion has occurred. Should you suspect your cat has ingested peyote and is showing signs of poisoning, it is vital to seek veterinary assistance without delay to secure the best outcome for your pet.

Is Peyote toxic to dog?

Peyote presents a moderate risk of toxicity to dogs. Poisoning usually arises when a dog ingests any part of the plant, which is alarming since all sections of peyote contain toxins. Upon consumption, a dog may show multiple signs that suggest poisoning. It is essential for dog guardians to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and to restrict their access to peyote. If a dog consumes any portion of this plant, prompt veterinary care is vital to achieve the best possible recovery for the impacted animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.