r/peyote

Was neglected by its previous owner, very mushy and soft, dont know if its overwatered or underwatered?

Only got it about a week ago. Larger brown mark was there when I bought it. Smaller one I think was because I bumped it against something. Haven’t watered it yet. Not planning on watering for another couple of weeks.

Hi everyone !

My peyote cactus (about 12 years old) developed white on the top and brown spots on its lower part this summer. The white ones look like sunburn but I'm not sure.

It usually grows indoors at about 25 °C. In the summer, I put it on the balcony: first in full sun, then in the shade once the heat became intense (>30–35 °C). I didn’t move it again until it was brought back indoors. I live in a temperate climate.

For over 10 years, it was in standard potting mix mixed with a little perlite. A year ago, I repotted it in 100% pozzolan, but the roots remained in a clump of the old potting mix in the center.

I water it very sparingly, based on how it feels, because I never know if it’s thirsty. I usually water it from the bottom with a little water that it absorbs.

It’s always been slightly soft. I don’t know if this is normal or if it could indicate a root problem or rot.

What do you think? Do the spots make you think of sunburn, a root problem, or something else? Will them go away?

And most importantly, how would you handle watering with this clump of old potting mix in the middle of the pozzolan?

PS: the first photos were taken before repotting, and the ones inside were taken today.

I sowed these LW on Tuesday