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Do you want to use a san pedro cactus, but think it would be a waste to finish it completely or throw away an unused part? Then you can take cuttings from the mescaline cactus. In this Quick Tip we briefly explain why you should take cuttings, how to do it and what you should pay attention to.
Why make cuttings of your Cactus?
You may be wondering why you would take cuttings from a cactus. When you take cuttings from a cactus, the existing cactus (mother plant) continues to grow. From the cutting you make grows a new cactus. So over time, you have two. The beauty of these two cacti? They are of exactly the same quality because the genetics are the same. For example, if you know that your San Pedro Cactus is rich in mescaline, the cutting you make will be too.
If your cactus is sick or starting to rot, you can also save it by taking cuttings. You just cut off the healthy part and a healthy cactus will grow from it. Finally, it is good to know that growing a mescaline cactus from seed is very difficult and time-consuming. Germination is a tough job and if you succeed, it will take months before you have a mature cactus. A faster way? Buy a cactus cutting and make a cutting from it.
A cutting of a San Pedro Cactus.
San Pedro Cactus Cuttings | step by step
You can use this step-by-step plan for taking cuttings from San Pedro, Peruvian Torch and Bolivian Torch cacti.
- Take a sharp and especially clean knife. Make sure you are working sterile at all times, otherwise your cactus or cutting could get sick. It is best to hold the knife in a flame for a while. Over the gas stove or through a lighter with a blue flame, your knife will be disinfected in no time. Let your knife cool before cutting.
- Decide where you want to cut the cactus off. The thicker the stem, the larger the wound. Large wounds are more prone to infection and dry more slowly, but you get a bigger cactus in return. The length of the cutting also matters. Short cuttings make new roots later, dry out faster and burn faster. A long cutting with a small wound is ideal. After cutting, the mother plant grows from the wound and often branches further.
- Once you have determined the spot you can start cutting the cutting. Wear gloves if necessary. Make sure not to cut through thorns or spines. Is your cactus very large and thick? Then it is best to lay it down horizontally. Try to cut through the cactus in one movement, so that the wound is even and flat.
- Cactus cut off? Gently pat the wounds of the mother plant and the cutting with some kitchen paper to absorb most of the wound fluids. Then put the cutting in a warm and dry place with indirect light, where it is maximum 25°C. Note: not in the sun!
- Before you can start cutting the cactus, the wound has to be dried well. How long this takes depends on the size of the wound. Leave the cutting for at least a week and then check if it is dry.
- Do you see dots or spots on the wound of the cactus? Then the wound may be infected. Cut off a 0.5-centimeter piece and try to let the wound dry better.
- Fill a pot with holes at the bottom with a mixture of sand and potting soil. That combination is needed for drainage. Place the dried cutting in the center of the pot, about 3 inches deep. Put the cactus cutting back in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Just like the mother plant.
- Wait until the plant is rooted (takes about 3 to 6 weeks) and only then give small bits of water. If the cutting went well, you can give it more water and light over time.
A cut cactus cutting looks like this. The wound is drying.
Buying or Growing San Pedro Cactus
Would you rather grow a mescaline cactus like the Peyote or San Pedro all by yourself? Of course you can. In our smartshop you can find all kinds of products to grow your own cactus. For example seeds or complete grow kits. Don't feel like making a mess? Then just buy a San Pedro Cactus Cutting. You can use it right away, but you can also use a piece of it to take cuttings with the tips in this blog.
Learn more in our blogs on mescaline cacti: