How to graft Zygocactus
Today, the editor introduces some small experiences in plant cultivation on how to graft Zygocactus and the four common grafting methods for Zygocactus. Let me explain in detail for you below.
Zygocactus is usually cultivated by grafting in families because it is relatively easy to care for after grafting. Only a small amount of watering and fertilizing is needed for it to grow normally, and it can grow into a large crown, blooming thousands of flowers at once. If cultivated alone in a pot, many people cannot keep it well and it is prone to problems. Therefore, as long as the cambium layers are aligned during grafting, it can basically grow. However, not all common grafting methods are suitable for Zygocactus. Some methods may result in weak growth of Zygocactus. Today, I will tell you about the four common grafting methods. See which one you choose. Among them, the fourth method is the most suitable, and it can be cultivated for decades without any problem. The others also have their own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Cactus grafting
Most people who grow Zygocactus at home use cactus grafting. Cactus grafting aligns its growth very quickly, but if the cactus used is too tender, it will almost stop growing after two or three years. Moreover, the branches become soft and the flowering ability is weakened, so we need to choose thick and wide cacti with well-developed roots to avoid problems. Also, the root system of the cactus is relatively weak, and if you graft multiple layers, the growth will be very slow, especially if the early growth is good, the flowering ability will also weaken, which may lead to uneven flowering in the later stage.
Furthermore, the leaves of the cactus will age, and it takes about five to ten years for the leaves to turn from green to brown. This means that once the cactus leaves are completely aged, they cannot perform photosynthesis, the root system is weak, and if watering is slightly less or fertilizing is not kept up, all the leaves of the Zygocactus will wilt, and the growth rate will also decrease. Therefore, when using cactus grafting, choose thick leaves and do not graft too many layers to ensure sufficient water and fertilizer, which can support the plant for about ten years. If small cacti are used for grafting, the later growth will also weaken and the duration will be short.
2. Dragon fruit grafting
Often, we buy some dragon fruit branches online, also known as triangles, and they are also very good for grafting Zygocactus. They have a relatively high compatibility with Zygocactus, and after grafting, the growth is very rapid. How long can a dragon fruit branch grow after grafting? At most, it can grow for five years because the branches will age, and the roots at the bottom will also age, so the grafting time will not be too long. In cactus grafting, dragon fruit branches are usually used to supply growth, allowing them to quickly grow lateral buds for sale, and they are generally discarded after two years of planting. Therefore, dragon fruit has a fast initial growth and forms quickly, and it also blooms well in the later stage, but it will stop growing after three to five years.
How to graft Zygocactus
3. Cactoblastis grafting
Recently, there have been many videos online about grafting Zygocactus onto cactoblastis. Is it really reliable to graft with cactoblastis? Cactoblastis grafting can survive because cactoblastis and Zygocactus both belong to the cactus family. As long as the cambium layers are aligned, it can survive. However, imagine grafting a lateral bud onto a large cactoblastis. It can grow, but it won't grow too fast. Since cactoblastis grown in a small pot has a weak growth, and if you use a large pot, it can easily rot. If the cactoblastis rots, the entire grafted plant will die. Therefore, cactoblastis grafting is not recommended, although it can be experimented with, it should not be used as a method.
4. Leaf cactus grafting
Leaf cactus, also known as leaf cactoblastis, has white flowers with a pleasant fragrance and is quite beautiful when blooming. It belongs to the cactus family and has a whole plant shaped like a stick, not too thick. It is the most reliable for grafting Zygocactus because leaf cactoblastis has a very high compatibility with Zygocactus. After grafting, it can survive and start growing within seven days. Moreover, the root system of leaf cactoblastis is very developed and ages slowly. Even if the branches do not have leaves, as long as the root system is developed, it can supply Zygocactus with rapid growth and can be cultivated for decades without any problem. Now, most people who grow Zygocactus use the leaf cactoblastis grafting method. If you want to use it, I suggest you use leaf cactoblastis grafting. A branch of leaf cactoblastis can root in the soil within seven days, and after it grows, you can graft it, and it won't cause any problems even if you graft multiple layers.
These four methods are the common grafting methods for Zygocactus. It is recommended that you use leaf cactoblastis grafting. None of these species can tolerate low temperatures; the temperature for leaf cactoblastis and dragon fruit branches should be kept above five degrees, otherwise they may easily get frostbite or enter a dormant state. Cacti need to maintain temperatures above five degrees to grow rapidly. When choosing at home, it is recommended to use leaf cactoblastis or cactus grafting. As long as you want to grow Zygocactus, after grafting, follow the method for the rootstock. In summer, they do not enter dormancy. Ensuring sufficient water and fertilizer and appropriate lighting will allow them to grow rapidly, and they can bloom quickly when using phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the flowering season.
This article shares how to graft Zygocactus and the related content of the four common grafting methods for Zygocactus, hoping it will be helpful to you!