Lophophora (Lophophora) is one of the unique representatives of the genus cactus. The second name that is mentioned in some scientific literature is peyote. There are from 1 to 4 types of cacti in the genus. In the natural area, they are found on the slopes of the mountains nearby with dense shrubs that inhabit Mexico and the United States.
In addition to the unusual appearance, scientists have discovered a rare composition of cell sap, which contains unique sets of alkaloids. The sap of the plant has healing and tonic properties, but it is allowed to be consumed only in limited quantities. Exceeding the dosage can provoke impairment of consciousness and psychological abnormalities. Therefore, the cultivation of lophophora is prohibited in several countries around the world.
Grouping the plant into separate species, botanists were guided by differences in the chemical composition of the juice of cacti. Lophophora sprawling produces a substance called pellotin. Lophophora Williams is characterized by the presence of mescaline in the tissues. The difference in color or structure is almost invisible. Although experienced experts mention one interesting fact that a certain species can show signs of a completely different cactus form.
Description of the lophophore cactus
The main stem resembles a flattened spherical shoot of a greenish-blue hue. Its diameter reaches 15 cm. The surface of the fleshy stem is smooth and velvety to the touch. At first glance, it seems that the body of the shoot is formed from several protruding segments, interlocked with each other. The number of segments is from five pieces or more. The top of the cactus looks like it is splitting into 5 equal parts. It is easy to see bulges on the shell of the stem. Today, a large number of decorative cacti have been bred, in which there are rising pimpled tubercles on the shoots.
The areola is visible in the center of a single segment. From it, thin hairs originate, which are collected in bundles. The color of dense hair tufts is bright straw. Adult cacti are overgrown with hairs mostly on the tops, since young segmental lobes are concentrated here. In the spring, flower buds bloom intensively from this area. The culture blooms in the summer. Inflorescences appear in the form of tubular and multi-petal calyces. The diameter of the flowers usually does not exceed 2 cm. The color palette is predominantly reddish or white. After the blooming part dies off, pink fruits ripen, inside which small black grains are hidden. The width of one fruit is 2-3 cm.
Lophophore cactus has a massive, like a turnip, rhizome, covered with a strong leathery shell. Thickened root processes extend on the sides. In diameter, the stem is not inferior to the root if measured together with the lateral children.The root sinks deep into the soil and grows longer than the main stem.
Lophophore cactus care at home
Lofofora is suitable for home cultivation. Like any other cactus, the described species needs comfortable conditions for keeping.
Location and lighting
Stems develop steadily in diffused daylight. However, direct scorching rays that actively penetrate through windows at noon can affect the external color. Instead of the traditional greenish color, the fleshy shoots will take on a red tint. Moreover, the life processes will slow down at the same time, and the plant will not be able to grow fully.
Temperature
In a warm season, flowerpots with cactus are kept in a room with a moderate temperature. Since the wild relatives of Lophophora are accustomed to hot climates, an increase in the thermometer above 40 ° C does not pose a particular danger. For the winter, the plant is moved to a cool room where the air temperature does not rise above 10 ° C. During the winter period, the stems have enough natural light for a short day to develop normally.
Watering mode
Watering schedule is influenced by temperature and soil condition. In the summer months, moistening is repeated 1-2 days after the soil mixture dries out by at least a third in the pot. With the arrival of September and the first cold weather, the cactus completely ceases to be watered. Watering resumes in the same mode from March. Violation of this rule leads to the rapid formation of putrefactive bacteria on the roots.
Humidity level
Dry air in city apartments will not harm the lofofor. There is no point in arranging additional hydration.
Soil composition
The seed substrate must have a good loose structure and air permeability. Lofofora prefers to grow in a neutral environment. Optimal soil consists of fertile soil mixed with loosening ingredients. The ratio of the proportion is 1: 2. It is allowed to mix the substrate yourself before planting the cactus. It is necessary to take the same amount of sod land and brick chips, then add 2 times more perlite. Additionally, the soil mixture is enriched with bone meal, then, according to experienced flower growers, the cactus will grow better and hurt less.
Since the root system goes deep into the ground, a tall and stable pot is selected for planting. A reliable drainage material is compacted at the bottom. Fine gravel is carefully distributed on the surface of the soil mixture, trying to hide the root collar of the main stem.
Feeding frequency
Fertilizers are applied once a month when the plant enters the intensive growing season. It is recommended to buy special mixtures that are intended only for feeding cacti.
Transplant recommendations
At a young age, cactus is transplanted every year, preferably in the spring. When he reaches three or four years of age, the roots will not have enough room for further development. Transplanting into a new larger pot will help solve the problem. Before lowering the roots into the ground, the ends are trimmed a few centimeters. The sections are treated with crushed coal and dried in the fresh air, only after that the cactus is transferred to a new container.
Lophophora breeding methods
The simplest approach to growing lophophora is by sowing seeds. Grains extracted from ripe fruits are allowed to be sown at any time of the year. Detailed instructions for sowing are usually indicated by the manufacturer on the container with the product.
Another way of reproduction of lophophora is to separate the babies from the mother plant in late autumn. The collected children are poured onto perlite and kept there until they put out young roots. The conditions of detention are no different from the cultivation of adult cacti. With the arrival of spring, the process of root formation should be successfully completed, so the children are transplanted into permanent flowerpots.
Diseases and pests
Lofofora rarely gets sick.Insects are also not a serious threat. Florists who have not previously encountered this culture are often worried that their pet stops growing at some point. There is no cause for concern. Everyone knows that cacti slowly gain mass. Typically, the standard growth of the stem under favorable conditions is 5 to 10 mm per year.
Types and varieties of lofofora cactus with photo
Peyote is classified into the following types:
Lophophora Williams (Lophophora Williamsii)
The height of the stem reaches about 7 cm. The diameter does not exceed 12 cm. The shoots bloom with pink-white flowers. There are various modified forms: five-ribbed, deceptive, multi-ribbed and comb.
On a note! Lofofora Williams is one of the banned plants for growing in the Russian Federation. When breeding 2 or more copies in room conditions or on a plot, an individual can be prosecuted.
Lophophora Fricii
The adult plant has stems 8 cm long. The color of the flowering cups is fiery red. Shoots are ribbed outside. The number of ribs on one stem is 14 pcs.
Lophophora spreading (Lophophora diffusa)
The ground part is green-yellow. The named view is equal in height to the previous one. However, instead of red flowers, it blooms with white-yellow inflorescences.
Lophophora Jourdaniana
The cactus barely reaches 6 cm in length. It is characterized by a violet-red bloom and the same number of spiral-shaped ribs as Fritsch's lophophora.
