The San Pedro cactus ( Trichocereus pachanoi ) is native to the Andes , but is now common in the southwestern United States . It is commonly grown for decorative purposes ; however , like the mezcal catcus , the San Pedro cactus is also grow for the ingredient mescaline , a ensure means with psychoactive outcome if consumed . In many character of the world , including the United States , it is sound to develop a San Pedro cactus but illegal to extract the mescaline and consume , trade in or sell it . The San Pedro cactus is among the fastest growing cacti and can be identified from other cacti by a few tell apart features .
Step 1
Monitor its emergence . A San Pedro cactus can grow up to a foot a year and can attain up to 20 animal foot tall and 6 feet wide .
Step 2
Look at its shape . A San Pedro cactus is a tubular cactus that grows vertically , usually without subdivision . More than one base can grow from the same crown .
Step 3
Count the rib or columns that run vertically along the cactus . A San Pedro cactus has a total of 6 to 8 rounded ribs or columns with small spikes on top to keep away predators .
Step 4
watch its blossom , which bloom during the nighttime hours when it is nerveless . San Pedro cacti grows white-hot bloom , usually in July . They can develop to be nine inches in diameter .
Step 5
Compare a pictorial matter of a San Pedro cactus with the cactus that is in question . Alternatively , take a picture of the cactus to your local glasshouse or county filename extension office for them to verify if it is a San Pedro cactus or not .
San Pedro Cactus Be Grown From Seed?
San Pedro cacti bloom in June 21 , but their fruit does n’t fully mature until former fall . get rid of the spongy subject from inside the fruit , then pick out the lilliputian black seeds . The correct equipment and thorough preparation will substantially increase the likeliness of successfully germinating San Pedro cactus seed because it will limit the chances of disease and infection . fulfil the clear slew with the moistened spiritualist , depart the top 1/2 inch of each dope empty . San Pedro cactus seeds germinate somewhat erratically , so it is best to sow several in each pot . Six to eight hours of day-after-day sunlight is also require , so put the passel near a south - present window . Healthy San Pedro cactus seeds will germinate in roughly one month , at which point the seedling should be lose weight to one per pot and move to a sheltered localisation outdoors .
