How to graft Zygocactus
The editor will answer how to graft Zygocactus and introduce the common four grafting techniques for green plants and flowers. Let's take a look together.
Zygocactus is usually cultivated by grafting in families because it is relatively easy to maintain after grafting. It only requires a small amount of watering and fertilizing to grow normally and can grow into a large crown, blooming over a thousand flowers at once. If cultivated alone in a pot, many people cannot keep it well and are 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 result in weak growth of Zygocactus after grafting. Today, I will tell you about the four common grafting methods to see which one you have chosen. The fourth one is the most suitable and can be maintained for decades without problems, while the others have their own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Cactus Grafting
Most people growing Zygocactus at home use cactus grafting. Cactus grafting aligns the formation layer and grows very fast. However, if the cactus used is too tender, it almost stops growing after two or three years, the branches become soft, and the flowering ability decreases. Therefore, we should choose thick and wide cacti with well-developed roots to avoid problems. Also, cactus roots are relatively weak, and if you graft multiple layers, the growth will be slow, especially if the early stage grows well, the flowering ability may decrease in the later stage, which can lead to uneven blooming.
Moreover, cactus leaves will age, and it takes about five to ten years for leaves to turn from green to brown. This means that once the cactus leaves are completely aged, they cannot perform photosynthesis, and the weak roots, with slightly less watering and insufficient fertilization, will cause all the Zygocactus leaves to wilt, and the growth rate will also slow down. Therefore, when using cactus grafting, choose thick leaves and avoid too many layers of grafting, ensuring sufficient water and fertilizer. It can be maintained 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
Online, we often buy dragon fruit branches, also known as triangles, which are also very good for grafting Zygocactus. Their compatibility with Zygocactus is relatively high, and the growth after grafting is very fast. How long can a dragon fruit branch grow after grafting? At most, it can grow for five years because the branches and the base roots will age, so the grafting time will not be too long. In cactus grafting, dragon fruit branches are usually used to grow quickly, produce lateral buds for sale, and are generally replaced after about two years of planting. Therefore, dragon fruit has fast growth and shaping in the early stage and good flowering, but it stops growing after three to five years.
How to graft Zygocactus
3. Cactus Ball Grafting
Recently, many videos of grafting Zygocactus onto cactus balls have appeared online. Is it reliable to graft using cactus balls? Cactus ball grafting can survive because both cactus balls and Zygocactus belong to the cactus family. As long as the formation layers are aligned, they can survive. However, imagine grafting a lateral bud onto a large cactus ball; it can grow but not too fast. Moreover, if planted in a small pot, the cactus ball has a weak growth, and if planted in a large pot, it can rot easily. Once the cactus ball rots, the entire grafted plant will die, so cactus ball grafting is not advisable, though it can be experimented with, it should not be adopted as a method.
4. Leaf Cactus Grafting
Leaf cactus, also known as leaf cactus, has white flowers with a certain fragrance and is quite beautiful when blooming. It belongs to the cactus family and has a whole plant shape like a stick, not growing too thick. It is the most reliable grafting method for Zygocactus because the compatibility between leaf cactus and Zygocactus is very high. After grafting, it can survive and start growing in at most seven days. The leaf cactus has a very developed root system and ages slowly. Even if the branches have no leaves, as long as the roots are developed, they can supply Zygocactus to grow rapidly, and it can be cultivated for decades without problems. Now, most people growing Zygocactus will use the leaf cactus grafting method. If you want to use it, I suggest you use leaf cactus grafting. A branch of leaf cactus can root in the soil within seven days, and after rooting, it can be grafted, and multiple layers of grafting will not cause problems.
These four methods are all common grafting methods for Zygocactus. It is recommended that you use leaf cactus grafting. Regardless of the variety, they are not cold-tolerant. The temperature of leaf cactus and dragon fruit branches should be kept above five degrees Celsius, otherwise, frostbite or dormancy can occur. Cacti need to maintain a temperature above five degrees Celsius to grow rapidly. In a home setting, it is recommended to choose leaf cactus or cactus grafting. As long as you want to grow Zygocactus, after grafting, follow the method of the rootstock. In summer, they do not go dormant, and as long as they have sufficient water and fertilizer and appropriate lighting, they can grow rapidly. During the flowering season, using phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can promote flowering rapidly.
The above introduction on how to graft Zygocactus and the four common grafting techniques hopes to bring you some help. Don't forget to visit the Green Plant Enthusiast website for more flowering experience and knowledge!