Lophophora

Hey guys, I've been growing Lophophora for a few years, but have never been able to get the medium in which I grow them right. In my experience, there is something wrong with everything I've tried.

I have some grafted Lophophora, but the majority are now growing on their own roots. I'm living in Western Australia, but more in the South West, so we get pretty intense summer heat and fairly chilly winters.

What do you guys think the best mix for growing Lophophora is?

Also, what do you guys use to fertilize them and how often do you do it?

Hi,

Lophophora like a high % mineral mix, they will tolerate some organic material but I try to avoid it. They will grow quite happily in a quality coarse river sand, I find they like sandy material, and add a slow release fert and that is a starting point. Now think about adding volcanic rocks and material you are comfortable with.

HN

My loph mix is:

1 part standard cactus mix (large organic sh!t sifted out)
2 parts course sand
handful of gypsum
handful of blood n bone
handful of rough gravel

When potting the plant I always leave the majority of the subterranean stem above soil level and fill the remainder of the pot with bauxite gravel or river pebbles. This allows excellent drainage and airflow around the non root producing section of the plant. I always use plastic pots with a tone of drainage holes in the bottom. Terracotta is rubbish unless you have the time to monitor the soil quality very carefully.

pot up like sneaky said.

any cacti that goes dormant. particularly mexican varietys... keep out of terracotta.

suggestion i have...
charcoal... charcoal and charcoal! then mix in some more... charcoal!
that goes for everyone wanting to grow things nice.

Fair enough. Can I ask what function does charcoal serve in a potting mix? Please forgive my ignorance.

ok picture this... Angelina Jollie.
the charcoal is the "make up, nice clothes and photoshop editing that makes her so dang desirable. lol.

pretty much the charcoal creates a more natural nutrient flow. it absorbs some things and as a result encorages healthy root production and takes things roots dont need lingering out of the equasion.
try it in one pot for a season. then pull your plant out and check on its roots... plants... cacti... love charcoal!

in some ways charcoal stops plants overdosing... much like it does us... if you happen upon such circumstance of extreme intox. lol.

pick it up at bunnings.

Interested to know the thoughts behind knocking terracotta please.

Up here we have huge wet seasons. Terracotta doesn't have the drainage capacity to deal with the down pours. Also the porosity of the pot maintains damp soil in high humidity. A death sentence for any tuberous cactus.

Plastic has a huge drainage capacity and blocks the moisture in the air from transferring back into the pot from all sides.

Thats my experience anyway. In cooler dryer climates this is probably not the case.

Check this out. xerophilia.ro, the stone eaters. Sorry don't know how to post a link properly. Hope this helps