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Shriveling

A common mistake novice growers make is placing the Peyote plant in a sunny Southern window. In overcast South Texas, Peyote is found growing under leafy scrub trees like Mesquite and Cat Claw. Peyote plants may shrivel if the sunlight is too intense. Peyote behaves more like a succulent than a cactus and enjoys the same lighting as Aloe Vera. Each growing environment is different and these factors need to be considered. For example, Peyote grows naturally at sea level, but at four thousand feet, we can grow Peyote in Arizona in the shelter of a greenhouse to protect from frost and under a shade covering because of our bright cloudless sky. Examine your light sources and observe whether there are long periods of bright sunshine that may cause the plants to shrivel or turn brown, or place some shade cloth over the window and see if your plants sigh in relief.

Peyote plants seem shriveled and look thirsty, but have been getting plenty of water. The problem may be soil-bound fungus, or root rot. This occurs when Peyote is getting too much water or the soil is too packed. This is a common and disturbing problem. Check the roots of the plant and if there is a whitish substance on the root, your plant has got it. Wash the roots thoroughly and let them dry in a shady, dry place. Let the plants air for several days before replanting in a dry sand and pumice mix. Don't water for at least one week. When you do begin watering again, use a water sprayer or a misting system to water only the surface of the plant. Recovery may take months, during which time you do not want to drench the soil. Light misting is plenty. When watering commences, water thoroughly as with any other household plant so that water is seen draining out the bottom and set aside for a week or so to completely dry out.

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