Grafted cacti have a bizarre appearance. This method offers growth advantages to species that do not develop chlorophyll. It ensures that late-flowering plants flower faster. If a root infection threatens rare plants, grafting can save.
Cactus grafting is not easy
Species suitable for grafting
Cacti and spurge plants that belong to one family are grafted using the grafting technique. Choose a fast-growing type of rootstock that is robust and hardy. For plants that do not develop chlorophyll, Hylocereus undatus has proven itself. Cereus peruvianus is characterized by rapid growth of the graft. Cuttings on Eriocereus jusbertii are willing to flower. Species of the genera Wilcoxia, Opuntia, Echinocereus or Echinopsis also offer good starting material.
Preparations for flat grafting
When the rootstocks are succulent and in the midst of the growth phase, grafting will show the best possible success. The time frame extends from the beginning of May to the end of August. You should water the plants thoroughly a few days beforehand so that they do not have to draw on their last energy reserves. On a warm day, you can start work:
- use a sharp knife just below the new growth
- Cut off the head of the underlay horizontally
- Remove about five millimeters from the outer edge at an angle
- remove the lower part from the scion and trim the ribs
method
Push the prepared cactus offshoot sideways onto the base. The interfaces must be free of particles and deposits. Slight turning and pushing pushes trapped air bubbles to the outside. Try to place the plants on top of each other in such a way that the large vascular bundles partially overlap.
tips
Slot grafting is suitable for flat cacti such as Schlumbergera. Cut cuttings are inserted into a slit-shaped incision in the substrate.
Fix
In order for the two plants to grow together at their interfaces, they must be stabilized. Use two rubber bands to cross them under the pot and over the grafted cactus. In a suitable location, the plants should have grown together after one to two weeks. Then remove the rubber rings.
Care instructions
Place the pot in a bright and warm place, out of direct sunlight. High humidity promotes growth. During the growth phase, no water should get to the grafting point.