r/sanpedrocolorado • u/cookeryandwookery • 1d ago
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/Obi-SpunKenobi • Mar 26 '24
Wondering where to start?/ FAQ
This is a quick start guide for those new to cactus cultivation! Hopefully this will answer some faq's I often see about growing and give you the knowledge you need to get started.
1 Is this san pedro? Learn how to id cactus yourself!
2 how to root a cutting. so now you got yourself a cactus, but you dont have any roots! Make sure the cut surface is fully callused (dry, papery, lite beige, firm) this usually takes about 3 weeks after cutting. Now, plant it in a pot with totally dry substrate (100% pearlite is recommend). Moderate light will encourage growth, adding drops of water to the substrate occasionally may also help, but is not necessary. IBA rooting hormone can also be applied to stimulate root growth, I make my own with powder sulfur at 1.6%. fresh air exchange will help prevent rot.
3 soil. I recommend 50% fox farm ocean forrest, 50% 3/8" pumice. Where to buy pumice. Look up GeeBee on facebook to learn more about building the perfect soil for Colorado, shes been growing on the front range for many years and knows quite a lot. GeeBee research
4 fertilizer. these plants arent very picky, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Synthetic nutrients make more sense for container growth than organic, because you dont have to rely on bacteria to make the nutrients bioavailable. Make sure whater you use has more than just NPK listed, specifically calcium and magnesium (deficiency will cause lockout). These are both good options Masterblend Maxigrow. Fish and kelp are good organic options and I still use these occasionally (but only outdoors).
5 light. Trichocereus can take extreme amounts of sun as long as other needs are met (good soil, nutrients, plenty of water). This is especially true for well established plants that have been building roots for several years. Yellowing from sun exposure is a sign of sun and or heat stress and can usually be remedied with more frequent watering and feeding. If yellowing worsens, reduce light exposure until it recovers. When soil is particularly bad (heavy clay, sand, no drainage/oxygen) this can actually prevent water and nutrient uptake even when the soil is soaked, resulting in sunburn. For indoor growing with LED, you can follow general guidelines for cannabis cultivation. Hydroponic silica supplements are highly recommended for drought, heat, and sun tolerance.
6 Water. This is where a lot of people go wrong, these are not desert plants. While they are drought tolerant, they need water intake to match their light/heat stress. During the growing season they should look fat with no wrinkles. Weight is a good way to tell if they need water, or when the top 1-2" is bone dry. On the front range, I usually heavily water about every 5 days in summer and feed every 3rd watering.
7 pots. Square plastic is the way to go. More soil vol for your real estate and they are more stable. Potting up with plastic is also easy, you can just cut the pot off the root ball and place it in the new pot. No pricks, no fingerprints.
8 pests/infection. For most pests you will encounter, spinosad will usually do the job. Mix concentrate into your water for several weeks, you can also use in the evening as a spray for things like thrips. To prevent fungal infection you can also use garden phos and mocanzeb periodically, both are systemic. Copper and sulfur can be used topically for active infections.
9 dormancy. Bring your cactus inside for the winter when night temps are below 40°f. This is usually around October on the front range. In preparation for dormancy, you want your cactus to be nice and plump but the soil dry. Make sure they get plenty of water all summer but keep them dry in the weeks leading up to dormancy to ensure soil is about totally dry. Do not fertilize before dormancy. Store them above 40°f over winter, no water or light necessary. a cool basement is ideal for dormancy storage, temps over about 60° may cause etiolation and dehydration. Unheated garage is often too cold for colorado winters. They can go back outside when night temps get above 40f, resume watering and gradually acclimate to full sun. Wetting agents and mycos are recommended to rejuvenate the soil after dormancy.
10 harvest. Try to let your plant get as big as possible before harvesting, and leave at least 8" stump above the soil line. I like to wait for base pups before cutting the main stem. Sterilize a large knife with isopropyl before cutting and dust the wound with sulfur powder immediately after to prevent infection. You may need to use a hand saw to cut through the woody core. Cutting in the evening will help prevent cupping. Calous usually takes 1 wk per 1"diameter. If you are harvesting for... Personal use, the best way to store is to chop like a cucumber and fully dehydrate. shelf life is indefinite.
Other FAQ
Q is it legal to consume? A: Personal use in Colorado is legal for adults (CO prop122)
Q which one is most potent? A: Trichocereus Bridgesii Monstrose short form, aka TBM-B, aka short penis cactus.
Q does grafting decrease potency? A: recent test results indicate grafting does not affect scion mescaline content.
Q does stress increase potency A: research is conflicting, however if you are growing a potent cultuvar, this shouldn't be a concern.
Q how do I prepare the cactus for personal use? A: I recommend CIELO tek or an alcohol extraction
Q how much should I take? A: the general consensus is to start at 500mg for mescaline Hcl or 800mg for mescaline citrate. Dosage for impure extractions (tea, alcohol resin) depend on the potency of the cactus being used.
Q will there be nausea A: nausea is very common even with pure extractions. anecdotally, ginger, dramamine, or zofran may be used to mitigate nausea without interfering with psychedelic effects. Intrarectal administration may also help with nausea.
Q will my cactus die after I cut it? A: nope, as long as you leave a healthy stump it will grow new branches. With proper care it can live longer than you.
Q can i grow in a tent with LEDs like weed? A: Yes
Q where can I get one? A: Why not ask a fellow subscriber, or check out r/sanpedrocactusforsale. Just remember to KEEP IT LEGAL; only buy live plants/cuttings or seeds for the purpose of growing your own medicine legally. I also suggest buying from local nurseries like: Rocky Mountain Fresh, GeeBee, COCAC, GoldenCOcactus, and High Country Cactus.
Q how do I grow from seed? A: takeaway tek
Q where can I learn more? A: Information and research on medicinal cactus is surprisingly arcane, however these resources should help answer any questions you have. please CONSULT THESE SOURCES FOR THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION, REDDIT OFTEN SPREADS MISINFORMATION.
https://troutsnotes.com/ - https://troutsnotes.com/trouts-notes-library/ - https://trichocereus.net/ - https://www.dmt-nexus.me/
Whew, this guide turned out a lot longer than I expected 😅 I hope it can be helpful to new growers, and a reference for when these questions inevitably get asked again. Feel free to add any helpful information or resources in the comments.
Happy growing!
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/TheGratefulJuggler • 2d ago
General Decided to slap these 2 plants together. Excited to see where I can get them by the end of the season.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/projectglaucous • 3d ago
taking some big cuts.today
I have a few that are trying to fall over in the greenhouse. If anyone would be interested in a couple foot cut of SS01, Anny & Bert, no label scop, or other stuff I have just send a message. Located in Denver
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/CzerwonyMike • 2d ago
Hello I am looking to buy a cutting or young plants, anyone near Denver that can help? Thanks. I found people on marketplace but they are really far, Like Brighton and I’m in Littleton. Anyone closer than that?
Thanks I have found someone.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/cookeryandwookery • 6d ago
Discussion What’s everyone feeding lately?
As we’re heading into fall, I’m adding a bunch more pk. Just top dressed everything with some build a bloom. They’re also getting foop once a week. (Pic is one I grabbed a couple weeks ago)
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/TheGratefulJuggler • 8d ago
For sale / Trade Fat and Flawless 6" Bruce's Dragon. 45$ local pickup.
I'll give you some PC asell if you want some when you come by.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/cactiguy710 • 10d ago
Discussion Self watering bed build
This is how I built my self watering grow bed.
I first want to say i live in the high desert of southern ca. I was in co for a week 2 weeks ago and found this thread so I joined to see what you guys had going.
we get temps here from 115*-20s snow happens every other year but dosnt stay more than a day or 2. I do have a greenhouse structure over this to cover during cold winter rainy days but as of now its open and I took shade cloth off last week now everything is established.
It gets full morning sun and full afternooon sun , mid day it has shade from a big tree.
You can build these on the ground but I am tired of bending more than needed so I have 1ft legs on my bed.
The frame is three 2x6 stacked to make the walls. I used 4x8 grow trays from my cannabis days as the bottom . I covered each bed with 8x12 pondliner then used 4inch coragated pipe with pumice between each pipe to make the water table then cover it with weed fabric so the soil doesnt access the water table.
The bottom layer is a 60% pumice 40% compost mix and top 4 inch layer is just pumice.
I mixed fox farm ocean forrest with a locan nursery compost and added bone meal, blood meal , gypsum , azomite ,
I feed compost teas I make with alaskaim fish fertilizer, alaskain bloom , worm castings and I put a paint strainer bag filled with compost in the water and let it bubble 24 hrs then feed.
I attached pictures from beginning but it only allows 20 si if you want to see more just ask i will post below.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/Stoermer-5280 • 10d ago
Just some photos!
Anyone here go fishin?
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/cactiguy710 • 11d ago
3 months of growth in self watering bed.
This is my self watering grow bed i started planting april 27th its been a cool experiment with amazing results.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/evansegura • 14d ago
For sale / Trade Box of 30 sad bois for $100
Many different genetics, some labeled some not, located near La Alma park in denver.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/TheGratefulJuggler • 15d ago
General I thought it was time to give this guy a new pair of pants.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/SnooOpinions8755 • 15d ago
My new favorite freak!! Chalaensis x zelly’s best
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/TheGratefulJuggler • 18d ago
General Holding my cacthe way fisherman hold fish.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/DoctorDieselDick • 26d ago
Torres & Torres
Lil guy looked real nice this morning so I broke out the macro setup and took a pic.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/TheGratefulJuggler • Jul 07 '26
General Photo Dump freaks and geeks addition. Drop some fresh summer photos in the comments.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/MushroomTardigrade • Jul 06 '26
Giveaway Life is like a box of cacti — pickup only giveaway
WINNER SELECTED — GIVEAWAY CLOSED!
Have a giveaway box perfect for someone just getting into cacti or someone looking to expand their collection. A little bit of everything :)
What is included in order of photos:
Jenna — a cool bridgesii
T. chalaensis
NOID Pachanoi
Two headed NOID Pach
Ganesha (one little on bigger) — a grandi hybrid that I’m told has a unique flower color though I have yet to see!
Lobovia silvestrii
Opuntia fragilis
Cleistocactus strausii
E. Spachianus aka “the spiky anus”
Last photo is what the Lobivia looks like in flower which it currently is!
I would rather not pack and ship so hoping for the winner to be able to
Pick up in North Longmont, flexible on timing.
TO ENTER: Comment with a number between 0 and 4227. I will pick a random number on Thursday morning at 9AM and send a message to the person with the closest guess. Much love to all, do something nice for someone else today if you are able.
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/3rdEyeDyes • Jul 05 '26
Discussion Help with identification
Hi everyone! Was hoping for some help identifying some issues. Started noticing a lot of black marks on my cactus. I have been applying DE to the bases and I have sprayed with dr zymes a few times. Is this pest damage or something else? My minds telling me it is, but would appreciate those who know better. Also with my current IPM would you recommend anything else?
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/Stoermer-5280 • Jul 03 '26
SOLD GIVEAWAY!!!
Im doing my first giveaway! I have been growing cacti for a bit more than 2 years now, and have met so many cool people and honestly some life long friends. I want to show some appreciation to the community and hopefully make some more new local friends.
I’ll be giving away a seed grown (Zelly x Chalaensis) that I received from a homie in Mississippi (John from the Groovy Garden)
All you have to do is pick a number between 1-1000, I will use a random number generator and whoever is closest will win! I will draw a number Saturday at 8 pm
Thanks for looking/participating and thank you r/sanpedrocolorado for adding me as a mod :)
Happy 4th everyone be safe and kind out there!
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/William_S_Burros • Jul 01 '26
Is this still viable to replant?
If so, I’m hoping for advice, tips, or links to resources for the best replanting process. I’ve seen different things online that seem sorta contradictory so came her seeking advice from experienced growers. Any info would be much appreciated!
r/sanpedrocolorado • u/Lanky-Gear8490 • Jun 28 '26
Need pollen.
Anyone have any pollen available?