For a more in depth care guide not included on this San Pedro Cactus infographic, please visit our webpage at San Pedro Cactus Overview and Guide.
Our other webpage covers more information and tips than this one, which serves as a quick care summary.
San Pedro Cactus Quick Care Overview
Growing a san pedro cactus at home is easy and straightforward. This cactus thrives in warm and dry environments similar to other cacti.
Temperature:
This type of cactus does best in temperatures maintained at a consistent 70°F or about 21°C.
However, because the san pedro cactus has adapted to life in the Andes Mountains, they can survive wide temperature swings.
These plants will survive sustained nighttime temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and daytime heat as high as 100°F (38°C).
San Pedro Light Requirements:
Similar to most other cacti, this species does well in full sun or partial shade during the day.
6-8 hours of direct sun each day is ideal. In areas with lots of cloud cover or locations where it becomes too cold to leave cacti outside all year, 14-16 hours under grow lights help maintain healthy plants.
Water Requirements:
As with most other cactus and succulent species, the san pedro cactus needs very little water to survive.
Too much water can be deadly and may lead to rotting or bacterial and/or fungal growth.
Water the soil when the top inch (2-3 centimeters) of the soil has become dry to the touch. Another method is to use a toothpick and plunge it into the soil and test if the top inch is dry after removal.
As a baseline, water this plant once every 10 days to 2 weeks to start, and adjust watering frequency as needed.
Remember, its better to underwater a cactus for a short period of time than it is to overwater one. This specific species has adapted to tolerate semi-frequent droughts.
Although not includes in this San Pedro Cactus infographic, make sure to reduce watering frequency in the winter. Once every 18 days to 3 weeks should be enough.
Reducing watering frequency in the winter gives cacti the time to enter a dormant phase and prepare for a new growing season in the spring and summer.
After winter ends, return to a regular watering cycle.
Soil Requirements:
The san pedro cactus prefers well draining soil that does not contain a lot of nutrients. Soils that hold too much water or nutrients/fertilizer may stunt the plants growth or cause rotting.
Most store provided cactus soils work fine, as well as citrus potting mixes.
Mixtures of potting soil with perlite, sand, peat moss, or gravel can also work.
Adding rocks to the bottom of pots and making drainage holes all help the soil to dry quickly and make a stable and safe environment for these cacti.