Peyote Seeds - Lophophora Williamsii

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Growing Lophophora williamsii (Peyote)

Lophophora williamsii, the famous (for some infamous) Peyote cactus is well known and there are many names for the varieties and variations within the Lophophora family. The main species which are currently recognized are Lophophora diffusa, Lophophora fricii and Lophophora williamsii (Peyote). Lophophora diffusa is a seperate species from the known Lophophora williamsii and is found at a few locations in the Mexican state of Querétaro. It is rather scarcly found, compared to Lophophora williamsii (Peyote).

The natural environment of Lophophora (Peyote)

Lophophora is a rather slow growing cactus species, native to Central Mexico and Texas. Lophophora williamsii, Lophophora diffusa and all other species and habitat variations grow in a great variety of locations within the Chihuahuan desert. It can be found in the shade of bushes or in full sunlight on open spaces. Unfortunately Peyote plants are getting more and more scarce in nature.

Lophophora from Seed

Peyote seed is not too difficult to germinate. A good method for germinating cactus seeds (and Lophophora seeds) is described in the article Cacti from Seed. It is important to ventilate well two or three weeks after germination of the seed. The seedlings will need some shade. Too much light will induce the Peyote seedlings to turn red to brown. When the seedlings get a shortage of light they will turn bright green to yellow and will grow too tall (etiolation). Usualy Peyote seeds germinate within 14 days but it might take longer depending on the quality of the seeds. CactusPlaza sells Lophophora seeds (and all other seeds) which are harvested the same year or a year before selling. This guarantees good germination rates if you have all other seed germination factors like soil mix, light, humidity and temperature un order. it may take six to eight years for Lophophora species to reach a diameter of an adult cactus.

Soil Mix For Adult Lophophora Plants

I use the following soil mix with great success for all Lophophora species and varieties like Lophophora williamsii, Lophophora jourdaniana, Lophophora fricii, Lophophora diffusa and Lophophora williamsii v. caespitosa:

One part clay
One part regular potting soil (without peat)
Four parts coarse sand
Three parts fine grit (1-3 mm)
A teaspoon of lime