← Species • Family: Cactaceae ⚠️ Toxic to Pets

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Lophophora williamsii

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Native to the arid limestone scrublands of Mexico and southern Texas, this spineless, blue-green geophytic cactus grows as a depressed, ribbed, button-shaped stem. In place of sharp spines, its areoles bear distinctive tufts of soft white trichomes, anchored underground by a massive, carrot-like taproot. It is a legendary, extremely slow-growing collector's cactus that produces delicate pinkish-white flowers from its apical wool throughout the warm months.

📋 Core Botanical Care Parameters

☀️ Light Requirements

Prefers bright, filtered sunlight or light dappled shade. Intense, direct scorching midday sun can stress and burn the tender epidermis; bright, diffused illumination is ideal.

💧 Watering Frequency

Its thick taproot is exceptionally prone to rot. Water thoroughly using the soak-and-dry method during active summer growth only when substrate is completely desiccated; keep bone dry throughout winter dormancy.

🏺 Soil Mix

85-90% Inorganic mineral grit (pumice, volcanic scoria, crushed limestone, zeolite) + 10-15% low-humus sifted cactus loam.

❄️ Cold Tolerance

-4°C (25°F) (USDA Zone 9b) - Strictly conditional upon the substrate being completely bone dry during winter rest.

🌱 Propagation Method

Seed sowing (primary, most sustainable method ensuring natural taproot development) or careful excision and rooting of basal offsets/pups from mature clumping specimens.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

This plant contains toxic sap/compounds. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

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Watering Method: Bottom Watering (Immersion)
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Golden Rule:

Never water until at least 80% of soil is completely dry!

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Botanical Tip of the Day Verified Botanical Fact

Succulents slow down in winter; cut watering frequency in half during cooler months. ❄️