Crassula
Today, let's delve into the knowledge related to the succulent plant Crassula, the grafting method of Crassula (Crassula ovata) (with images). Let's learn about it together.
Crassula belongs to the cactus family, with beautiful flowers and high ornamental value. It blooms from November to March of the following year, coinciding with New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, adding joy to the holidays. Crassula is adaptable and easy to cultivate. Using the grafting method for potting Crassula can enhance its aesthetic appeal.
I. Grafting Time
Except for the severe cold and hot seasons, Crassula can be grafted at temperatures between 10-30°C. High temperatures can cause the grafting joint and cut surface to dry out or rot; low temperatures make it difficult to heal and have a low survival rate. The specific grafting period is suitable for warm and sunny days from Qingming to Guyu and from Hanlu to Lidfeng.
II. Selection and Treatment of Rootstock
For Crassula grafting, the rootstock can be Opuntia, Cactaceae, or Heptacodium. Cut off a healthy, long, fleshy branch with a length of over 10 centimeters from the mother plant, place it in the sun for 3-4 days, and after the base cut surface is slightly dry, insert it into moist sand to promote root growth. After the roots have grown, plant it in a pot and then graft it. Alternatively, grow the grafting seedlings in a seedbed and then transplant them into a pot.
III. Cutting Scion
Select a healthy and disease-free Crassula mother plant and cut off the top 2-4 nodes of one-year-old branches as scions. Use a blade to cut off 1/4-1/3 of the lower part, exposing the white xylem, making both sides even to form a wedge shape. It's best to cut it in one go without repeating the cut.
IV. Grafting Method
First, use a stainless steel knife to cut off the top of the rootstock, make a 2 cm long slot in the center along the flat direction, and then cut the base of the scion diagonally to form a 1.5 cm long duckbill shape, insert it into the rootstock cut, and press it tightly to prevent it from slipping out. If the rootstock is tall, multiple scions can be grafted at different positions on the stem.
V. Post-Grafting Management
Firstly, avoid wind and direct sunlight to prevent strong sunlight exposure.
Secondly, avoid rain and prevent waterlogging, preventing rain or watering from wetting the joint, which can cause rot. Control watering to keep the potting soil moist and prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Thirdly, fertilization should be accurate. Before the grafting takes root, fertilization should be moderate, and after it takes root, use a low-concentration, decomposed human waste and cake fertilizer, and compound fertilizer to water the plants. Do not pour the fertilizer directly onto the plant to avoid stem rot.
Fourthly, prevent and control diseases and pests. The main diseases and pests of Crassula include scale insects, whiteflies, aphids, and rot disease, which should be treated in a timely manner.
Fifthly, to improve the survival rate, you can cover the grafted Crassula with a plastic bag to enhance survival.
The detailed introduction of the grafting method of Crassula (Crassula ovata) (with images) mentioned above, have you understood it?