Troubleshooting
Peyote problems — and how to fix them
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Soft, brown, collapsing body (rot)
The most common killer, from overwatering or cool, damp conditions. Use a mineral mix, water sparingly, and keep dry and dormant in winter.
Pale, elongated, distorted growth
Too little light. Give the brightest possible direct sun to restore the compact button shape.
Shrivelled, sunken body
Mild under-watering during the growing season or a contracted dormancy; a thorough summer soak plumps it back. Some shrinkage is normal and protective in winter.
Mealybugs and root mealybugs
White cottony pests hide in the woolly crown and around the roots. Check at repotting and treat with a suitable insecticide or by manual removal.
Prevent peyote problems before they start
Most peyote issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for peyote in general rather than its problems? Read the full peyote care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Peyote problems — FAQ
Why is my peyote soft, brown, collapsing body (rot)?
The most common killer, from overwatering or cool, damp conditions. Use a mineral mix, water sparingly, and keep dry and dormant in winter.
Why is my peyote pale, elongated, distorted growth?
Too little light. Give the brightest possible direct sun to restore the compact button shape.
Why is my peyote shrivelled, sunken body?
Mild under-watering during the growing season or a contracted dormancy; a thorough summer soak plumps it back. Some shrinkage is normal and protective in winter.
Why is my peyote mealybugs and root mealybugs?
White cottony pests hide in the woolly crown and around the roots. Check at repotting and treat with a suitable insecticide or by manual removal.