How to grow the cactus yourself

Breeding peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

The peyote cactus contains active ingredients that are psychoactive and similar to those of mescaline. Consumption is therefore prohibited. However, it is perfectly permissible to care for a peyote cactus as long as you do not consume it.

You can get plants and seeds from specialist gardeners.

The peyote can be propagated either from cuttings or from seeds.

Propagation from cuttings

Use side shoots as cuttings. Cut them off smoothly with a sharp, clean knife. Let the interfaces dry. After a few days, plant the cuttings in prepared small pots with pumice gravel.

Growing from seeds

• Put the seeds in a cool place
• Potting soil sterilize
• Scatter seeds thinly
• do not cover
• keep moderately moist

Of the Seeds must not be too old. He should be up to sowing stored in a dry place. In order to increase the germination capacity, it is first put in the refrigerator for two weeks a month in advance. It is then kept at room temperature for a further two weeks.

Prepare Growing trays with sterilized potting soil. Sprinkle the seeds thinly and leave them uncovered. It is only kept slightly moist.

Cover the pots with cling film or a clear lid. Ventilate the sowing once a day so that no mold can form.

Bright location and cool wintering

To grow a peyote you need a good location. It must be very bright and as sunny as possible. In summer you can also put it outside, as long as the place is protected from rain.

In order for the peyote to develop flowers, it needs a longer break in cool temperatures in winter. Ideally, they should be ten degrees. But it shouldn't get much cooler because the peyote is not winter hardy.