Methods for Grafting Cattleya Orchids
The editor answers your questions about the methods for grafting Cattleya orchids in terms of green plant maintenance experience. Please feel free to correct any mistakes!
Methods for Grafting Cattleya Orchids
Grafting is a type of vegetative propagation in asexual reproduction. To ensure the survival of the scion, the cambium layers of the scion and the rootstock should be tightly combined during grafting. The branch or bud that is connected is called the scion; the plant that is grafted is called the rootstock or platform. Seedlings with 2-4 buds are usually used as scions. After grafting, they become the top or upper part of the plant. After grafting, the rootstock becomes the root of the plant.
Grafting Techniques
Grafting can be done in spring and autumn, especially when the weather is good. The rootstock is generally composed of three-angled stakes (commonly known as "triangles"), cacti, and cactus (i.e., flower balls and grass balls).
Splitting is a commonly used method for grafting Cattleya orchids. Using a cactus or three-angled stake as the rootstock, the top can be cut off horizontally at a plant height of 20-30cm, and then the xylem at both ends of the fine lines can be cut vertically for 2-3cm deep. The scion should be selected from a stem that is solid but not normal, about 10 cm long. The lower part of the scion is divided into two sides, cut diagonally, and the cutting surface needs to be lubricated. After cutting the scion, immediately insert it into the thin language of the rootstock and secure the scion on the rootstock with a long thorn of the cactus or a small bamboo needle. At the same time, paper can be padded on the rootstock and secured with bamboo and wood clips. The clips can be removed after 6-7 days, and the long thorns or small bamboo needles can be removed after the scion has survived, to avoid affecting the development of the plant.
If using a cactus as the rootstock, the top must be cut off and the scion grafted onto the vascular bundles in the middle of the cactus. If the cactus does not fall, the top of the rhizome will continue to develop due to apical dominance, leading to grafting failure.
When grafting Cattleya orchids, care should be taken not to let the thin language bring water to avoid infection of the cross-section. After about 3 months, the thin cuticle turns into a membranous texture, which is not obstructed by rainwater. Since the above rootstock is tolerant to fertilizer and humidity, the plant can be appropriately increased with fertilizer and water, applying fertilizer 2-3 times a month, and applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers such as decayed soybean cake and bone meal.
Grafting makes it easy to operate Cattleya orchids, with high survival rates, fast growth of grafted plants, and rarely any withered appearance in summer and winter. Plants grafted in spring usually bloom the following year. However, grafted plants only need 5-6 months to sprout.
Benefits of Grafting
Enhances the plant's disease resistance. Grafting black seed pumpkin onto cucumbers can significantly control cucumber wilt and delay the occurrence of downy mildew; grafting eggplants onto tomatoes can effectively control the occurrence of yellow wilt.
Increases the plant's ability to tolerate low temperatures. Due to the developed root system of the rootstock and its strong resistance to adversity, the grafted seedlings are clear and can tolerate low temperatures. For example, the roots of black seed pumpkins grafted onto cucumbers can grow well at high temperatures and still develop normally at soil temperatures of 12-15℃.
Helps control the risk of crop rotation. Cucumber roots are weak and prone to avoid crop rotation, and are easily damaged by soil salinity and harmful substances in greenhouse cultivation. Using the roots of black seed pumpkins can greatly reduce the harm caused by soil salinity and harmful substances.
Expands the limitations and capabilities of the root system. The root system of grafted seedlings is twice that of self-rooted seedlings. Conversely, grafted seedlings absorb about 30% more nitrogen, potassium, and over 80% more phosphorus than self-rooted seedlings.
Helps increase yield. Grafted seedlings have thicker stems and larger leaves, which can increase yield by more than 40%. Using late-maturing varieties as rootstock and early-maturing varieties as scions can maintain early maturity and significantly shorten the fruiting period, increasing total yield.
The above is a complete introduction to the methods for grafting Cattleya orchids, for everyone to learn and understand!
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