Taking cuttings from peyote and San Pedro cacti is not only a great way to expand your collection, but it can also be done to rescue a cactus that is suffering from rot. With the right technique, both peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi) can be propagated successfully from cuttings.
San Pedro cuttings can be taken from the top or middle of the cactus. However, if you’re rooting a middle section, it’s important to keep track of which end is up. Planting it upside down will prevent it from growing properly.
Peyote cuttings are taken by slicing a button from a cactus cluster. Each cutting should be at least the size of a quarter. I have successfully rooted cuttings as small as a dime, although smaller cuttings have less stored energy and are less likely to survive.
Below are the step-by-step instructions to root peyote and San Pedro cuttings successfully.
1. Take a Cutting
Start by disinfecting a razor blade or sharp knife with isopropyl alcohol. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or fungi. Then make a clean, straight cut.
2. Let the Cutting Callus
Place the cutting in a dry, dark area for several days. During this time, the cut surface will form a hard, protective callus. This step is critical because planting a fresh cutting directly into soil can lead to rot.
3. Apply Root Hormone
Once callused, you can brush the cut surface with rooting hormone powder using a small paint brush. This isn’t required since cacti root easily on their own, but it will speed up the rooting process and prevent fungal infections.
4. Place the Cutting on Soil
Place the cutting on top of high-quality cactus soil. Do not bury it deep, just let it rest on the surface. Lightly moisten the soil around the base of the cutting, but avoid saturating the soil. The goal is to provide just enough moisture so the soil dries within a day or less. If the soil remains wet for too long between waterings it can cause rot. The cutting only needs to sense water to start sending out roots. At this stage, provide your cutting with indirect sun or gentle light as well.
5. Water Sparingly
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Each time it dries, re-moisten lightly. This cycle encourages root development while preventing rot.
6. Transition to Normal Watering
After a few weeks, roots should begin to form. You’ll know your cutting has rooted when it starts to look plump and healthy again. At this stage, you can gradually start increasing the amount of water you give it. Once the cactus starts growing again, you can start watering normally.
Final Tips
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Patience is key. Rooting can take several weeks.
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Always use a well-draining cactus mix to prevent root rot.
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Avoid lifting the cutting from the soil to check for progress, as this can easily damage the delicate new roots.
- Don't let the soil stay dry for too long between waterings. Try to re-moisten the soil as soon as it is completely dry.
Whether you’re rooting peyote or San Pedro, following these steps will allow you to rescue a struggling cactus or multiply your collection. If you'd like to learn more about peyote cultivation, please check out our Peyote Cactus Cultivation Course, where you'll learn everything you need to know about growing from seed to flower.