Cactus Grafting Methods
This article introduces you to the experience of cacti, a type of succulent plant, focusing on the grafting methods of cacti. Next, the editor will provide an introduction.
Cactus grafting can take various forms due to the different types of scions and rootstocks, as well as the intentions or requirements of the cultivators. However, in general, there are four commonly used grafting methods.
1) Flat Grafting
Flat grafting involves first leveling the top of the rootstock, then leveling the bottom of the scion, placing the scion on top of the rootstock, ensuring the cut surfaces fit tightly together, and making sure the vascular bundles of both come into contact. Finally, the scion and rootstock are securely tied with a string to prevent them from becoming detached, moved, or misaligned.
Flat grafting is mainly used for spherical and short, thick cylindrical scions, and the rootstock is generally spherical and cylindrical types; however, flat cacti can also be used as rootstock for flat grafting.
After the rootstock is cut flat, the edges are usually斜削 (angled) around the perimeter (while keeping the center larger than the diameter of the scion's cut surface). This is to prevent the rootstock from losing moisture and sinking due to the exposed cut surface. If the scion fails to heal, the joint often separates as a result.
If the scion is tender and small, and the growing point may be damaged during tying, a piece of foam plastic or cotton can be placed underneath before tying. To ensure the scion and rootstock remain tightly bound after grafting, a slight pressing object can be added after tying.
2) Wedge Grafting (Insertion Grafting, Splitting Grafting)
This grafting method is primarily used for flat-stemmed scions, such as grafting on crab's claws, cactus branches, Hymenocallis, and Epiphyllum oxypetalum. The rootstock used is mostly cylindrical and flat cacti. First, a suitable slit is made in the vascular bundle area of the rootstock with a knife, then the flat base of the scion is cut diagonally on both sides to expose the vascular bundles, and the scion is inserted into the slit. If there is uncertainty about touching the rootstock's vascular bundles, the knife can be inserted into the central pith of the rootstock. After the scion is wedged into the rootstock, it can be fixed with a thin bamboo needle or a long spine of a cactus plant, but not with a common metal needle. When the rootstock is a flat type, paper can be placed on both sides of the cut before securing it with a bamboo clip or a small office clip that is not too tight but provides appropriate pressure.
3) Inlay Grafting
The top of the rootstock is cut into a "V" shape, and the bottom of the scion is cut into a wide wedge shape that corresponds to the "V" shape, with the same concave-convex angle. The scion is then inlaid into the notch of the rootstock and securely tied with a string. This method is essentially a variation of flat grafting. For some abnormal varieties, especially crested ones, it is inconvenient to cut using flat grafting; inlay grafting not only makes it easier to cut the scion but also allows the "V" shaped interface to ensure the vascular bundles of both come into close and firm contact. Inlay grafting is more convenient with cylindrical rootstock.
4) Oblique Grafting
This is also a variation of flat grafting. When grafting thin cylindrical cacti, the scion cannot be cut too short, and the method of tying through the top is quite inconvenient. The top of the rootstock is cut flat, the bottom of the thin cylindrical scion is cut diagonally, and the two cut surfaces are overlapped to bring the vascular bundles into contact, which makes tying easier. If the rootstock is also thin, the top can be cut diagonally, and then the two diagonal cut surfaces are placed together. Because of the diagonal cut, there is a greater chance for the vascular bundles to come into contact. The angle of the diagonal cut should be appropriate, generally between 35° to 45°. When both the scion and rootstock are cut diagonally, a needle should be used to insert and secure them.
The related explanation of cactus grafting methods shared above is hoping to bring a little help to your life!