In the wild, peyote grow in poor, inorganic, rocky soil. Although trying to replicate these conditions at home may be tempting, this is a mistake that a lot of beginner growers make. When cultivating peyote, you can achieve much healthier and faster growth by improving the soil in which they grow.
In over a decade of experimenting with different soil mixes for growing peyote, I have learned that they respond well to high levels of moisture while they are young, but like more dry conditions as they mature. Therefore, it is best to change the composition of the soil at different stages of their life. Let's start with the different elements that I use to create these different mixes.
Peyote Soil Elements
Soil
The base of all the different mixes covered in this article will be a nutrient free plant potting soil which contains a high perlite content. Most potting soils are made from peat moss which helps retain moisture. The perlite aids in drainage. I like to use Pro-mix HP. The HP stands for high porosity which is achieved by adding extra perlite. If you are using a soil that does not contain much perlite, you can add a few handfuls yourself.
Sand
Adding sand to the soil will help to increase drainage. The sand that you use should be coarse and not too fine. Play sand used for sandboxes tends to be too fine and should be avoided. I find masonry sand to be more coarse and better suited. The coarser the sand that you use, the better, so make sure to shop around.
Limestone Screenings
Peyote grow in limestone rich areas in the wild. Adding it to the soil will create a more alkaline environment in which the peyote will thrive. Most bags of limestone screenings will contain a fine powder. The powder must be sifted from the screenings before they are added. If this powder is added to the soil it will turn to clay and cause the soil to harden. Use a wire mesh strainer to sift the screenings before use.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is used to take up space in the soil. This reduces the amount of moisture in the soil and allows it to dry quicker between waterings. This will help to prevent things like mold, fungus, and rot.
Now that you know the elements that will go into the different mixes, let's look at how to add them together at different stages of a peyote's growth.
Soil Mixes at Different Stages of Peyote Growth
Germination
Peyote seedlings like high levels of moisture at their roots. Because of this, it is best to use straight potting soil at this stage. The potting soil should be properly pasteurized to prevent contamination while the seeds are germinating. You can watch a video covering this germination process HERE.
Transplanting
Once the peyote seedlings grow to around a centimeter in diameter, they can be transplanted from the germination container into a larger container. This will allow you to change the composition of the soil and spread out the seedlings, giving them more room to grow. At this point, the peyote are still small and cannot retain moisture very well on their own, so the soil should remain fairly organic. The soil mix at this stage should consist of 3 parts potting soil and 1 part coarse sand. This will create a soil that is high in moisture but fast draining.
Potting
Once the peyote reach an inch in diameter they can be individually potted into clay pots. At this stage the soil mix should consist of 3 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part sifted limestone screenings. At this point, it is a good idea to top the soil with a 1/4 inch layer of coarse sand or small stones. This will help to prevent bugs from living in the soil.
Maturity
Once the peyote reached maturity and begin flowering they will prefer a dryer environment. At this point they should be repotted into a soil mix consisting of 3 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, 1 part sifted limestone screenings, and 1 part pea gravel. This mix can be used for the remainder of the peyote's life. The soil should also be topped with a quarter inch layer of coarse sand or small stones.
Conclusion
Selecting the right soil for peyote isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. By catering to the needs of peyote at different stages of life, you can achieve faster and healthier growth. Our Peyote Cactus Cultivation Course covers this entire process and everything else you need to know about growing peyote. With HD videos and added bonuses like access to a private Facebook group, you'll have all the tools and support you need. Click the link below to learn more.