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Growers Notes... New Species or Not??

Lophophora Williamsii
var. caespitosa

Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa from the area of La Perdida Mexico, is one plant that seems to have taken collectors by storm and has proven to be my best seller. This variety doesn't have as good a germination rate as the typical form and is somewhat challenging to grow to the size of one to two centimetres. Once a size of one to two centimetres is reached, this variety seem to take on life with a new meaning and grows incredibly, at a rate of about three times faster than any other Lophophora variety. With age, these plants will grow substantial tubers but in the first few years, they tend to grow mostly feeder roots to help with the abundance of shooting pups. Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa is also one of the easiest in my experience to graft and once taken, a graft will soon turn into what looks like a giant bunch of grapes.

Reproduction of Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa is by seed or cuttings. This variety of Lophophora does seem to take twice as long as any other variety of Lophophora to flower... my record for plant to maturity took about three years before achieving its first flower, but once one head starts to bloom, soon enough more heads begin to show their blossoms, in turn eventually producing many seed pods. Cuttings are easily rooted and possibly the best option for reproduction, although, I have issues with reproducing plants not having their own unique DNA because such practices do not strengthen the species and seed grown plants most definitely do have greater value to the collector as well as having proven to remain healthier in the long run.

Unlike most varieties of Lophophora the caespitosa strain seems to prefer top watering, possibly due to the fibrous feeder roots and should be potted in wide, yet shallow pots to prevent excessive water log until sizeable tubers are noticed.

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa three year old plants

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa 3 year old in flower

This Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa shown above now has three mature heads with a fourth soon coming into flower. The soon coming flower on the protruding head above the flowering one depicts the first sign of flowering by shooting a little extra wool out of its areola before pushing its flower bud out.

Above: Two and a half year old Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa on first flower

Above: Lophophora Williamsii var. caespitosa seed pod