San Pedro vs Peyote: What’s the Difference?

San Pedro and Peyote are two of the most famous sacred cacti in the world. While they are often grouped together, these plants are actually very different in appearance, growth, and how they are cultivated. Understanding the difference is important for collectors, gardeners, and anyone interested in sacred cactus culture.

Let’s explore what makes each cactus unique.

Origins and natural habitat

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
Peyote is native to northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It grows low to the ground in rocky desert environments and blends in with the surrounding landscape.

San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi)
San Pedro comes from the Andes Mountains of South America, including Peru and Ecuador. Unlike peyote, it grows in high-altitude regions where there is more moisture and cooler nighttime temperatures.

Appearance and growth

One of the easiest ways to tell these two cacti apart is how they look.

Peyote

• Small, round, and button-shaped

• Spineless or nearly spineless

• Grows very slowly

• Usually only a few inches wide

San Pedro

• Tall and columnar

• Has multiple vertical ribs

• Can grow several feet tall

• Much faster growing than peyote

Peyote is compact and subtle, while San Pedro is bold and dramatic.

How easy are they to grow?

San Pedro is considered one of the easiest sacred cacti to grow. It adapts well to pots, tolerates a range of temperatures, and grows quickly compared to most cacti.

Peyote grows very slowly and requires more patience. It needs excellent drainage, careful watering, and stable temperatures. Because of this, peyote is often grown by experienced collectors or conservation-focused growers.

Legal and conservation differences

San Pedro is legal to grow as an ornamental cactus in most parts of the world.

Peyote, however, is protected in many countries due to its cultural importance and declining wild populations. In some regions, only certain groups are legally allowed to possess or cultivate it. Growing peyote from seed for conservation purposes is one of the best ways to help protect the species.

Always check your local laws before growing or purchasing either plant.

Why collectors choose each one

People choose these plants for different reasons:

Why growers choose San Pedro

• Fast growth

• Tall, striking appearance

• Hardy and beginner-friendly

• Beautiful white flowers

Why collectors choose Peyote

• Rare and symbolic

• Compact and unique

• Deep cultural and historical importance

• Highly valued by conservation growers

Which sacred cactus is right for you?

If you want a fast-growing, visually impressive cactus, San Pedro is usually the better choice.

If you are interested in conservation, rarity, and symbolic value, Peyote may be more appealing — provided it is legal to grow in your area.

Both are beautiful, meaningful plants with deep roots in history.

Final thoughts

San Pedro and Peyote may both be called sacred cacti, but they are very different plants. From their size and growth speed to their natural habitats and legal status, each has its own unique story. Learning these differences helps growers and collectors make informed, respectful choices.