Lophophora williamsii aka Indian Dope
Taxonomy
Lophophora williamsii, commonly known as peyote, is a small, spineless cactus native to Mexico and southwestern Texas. Its clustered green, yellow, or red shoots can grow up to 7 cm (2.76 in) tall, and its flowers open during the day with a pink, white, red, or yellowish color. Behind the flowers are pink, elongated fruits that become brownish-white when mature, with black, pear-shaped seeds inside. Peyote has at least 5,500 years of entheogenic and medicinal use by indigenous North Americans and is believed to contain psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. The word peyote comes from the Nahuatl word meaning “caterpillar cocoon” and the plant was first formally described in 1845 by French botanist Charles Antoine Lemaire and assigned to the genus Lophophora in 1894 by American botanist John Merle Coulter. Despite its long history of use, peyote is illegal in most of the western world and grows in gravelly clay and loam soils on gentle slopes.
Common names
Indian Dope, Cactus Pudding, Devil's Root, PeyoteHow to care for Indian Dope
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Indian Dope is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Indian Dope does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
Indian Dope loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Indian Dope requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Peyote is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Indian Dope is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Indian Dope grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Indian Dope as it grows vertically.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Lophophora Genus
