Propagating San Pedro From Cuttings

Preparation

• San Pedro cactus needs a well-draining potting mixture because it is susceptible to rot in poorly drained soils. Use a mixture with equal parts peat moss and perlite or coarse sand. A 1/2-inch layer of fine gravel, aquarium rock or pumice on top of the potting mixture helps prevent rot by allowing excess moisture to evaporate through the gravel. Before planting the offset, moisten the potting mixture so it is slightly moist all the way through. A 1- to 2-gallon container with a drainage hole accommodates the new cactus for about a year. Use a pot that has a drainage hole.

Taking Cuttings

• A mature San Pedro cactus develops several small offsets, or pups, at the base of the plant. Propagation involves removing the offset from the parent plant and planting it in the prepared container. Remove an offset carefully from the parent plant, making the cut at a 45-degree angle. Use a sharp, clean knife to prevent transmission of diseases to the cactus. Don't cut the offset too close to the parent plant. Leave a small stem on the parent, as the stem will develop another offset at the cut spot.

Planting

• Dip the cut side of the offset in powdered rooting hormone or garden sulfur and set the offset aside to dry in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place until the cut area forms a dry callus. This may take a week or more, depending on the thickness of the offset and the air temperature. Plant the offset in the prepared planting medium, just deep enough so the offset stands upright. Don't plant the offset any deeper than necessary because deep planting may cause the offset to rot before it forms roots.

Care

• San Pedro cactus roots best in bright, indirect light. Watch for new growth at the tip of the offset, which indicates the offset has rooted successfully. This may be four to six weeks, or it may take several months. To determine when the plant needs water, poke a wooden stick in the potting mixture to the bottom of the pot. If no damp potting mixture clings to the stick, water the plant deeply until water runs through the drainage hole. To prevent rot, always let the pot drain freely and never allow the container to stand in water. Always allow the potting mixture to become dry -- but not bone dry -- before watering again.