How to Care for a Cactus Grafted on to a Christmas Cactus
Here are the details regarding the topic of caring for a Christmas cactus grafted onto a cactus and the post-grafting care management for the plants:
The Christmas cactus is a plant favored by many for its beautiful shape, especially when in bloom. To make the Christmas cactus grow better, you can graft it onto a cactus, which will result in more abundant flowers. The following is an introduction to how to care for a Christmas cactus grafted onto a cactus.
I. Grafting
The grafting method is actually not very complicated and can be done at home. First, select a slightly mature leaf of the Christmas cactus, then cut a slit in the areole of the cactus, insert the leaf, and place it in a shaded area. After about ten days, a new bud will grow.
II. Securing
When the Christmas cactus is first grafted, it may be easily loosened. In this case, you can use clips to secure the area around it, which will help with the stabilization. Also, do not move the cactus pot随意, as it may affect its survival.
III. Water and Fertilizer Management
When grafting, pay attention to choosing a cactus variety with thick flesh, and in the later stage of care, use the method of caring for a cactus to make its leaves thicker, which will provide more nutrition for the Christmas cactus. Increase the watering slightly compared to usual, and use fertilizer twice a month, choosing a balanced compound fertilizer, but not too much because cacti are not tolerant of heavy fertilization; too concentrated fertilizer will affect its growth. Additionally, you can use a high-nitrogen foliar fertilizer once a month.
IV. Light
After grafting, it needs to be placed in a shaded area for 20 days, and only after the grafting is successful can it be moved outside to bask in the sun. Keeping the lighting duration to 4-5 hours can help the Christmas cactus root and grow properly.
V. Heating and Moisture Retention
Grafting requires covering the plant with a plastic bag to retain heat and moisture, with the bottom of the bag left open, and the bag removed after a week.
VI. Ensuring Ventilation
After grafting, it should be placed in a well-ventilated and breathable environment. You can spray some water on the leaves to increase the humidity. When it rains, move the pot indoors to prevent the grafting wound from getting wet, which could lead to rot.
VII. Pruning
If the Christmas cactus does not grow well after grafting, you can prune its leaves, leaving only a few, which will promote better root growth.
The above information introduces how to care for a Christmas cactus grafted onto a cactus and provides a comprehensive explanation of post-grafting care management, hoping to act as a catalyst to solve your problems with green plants.