graft cacti

Grafting is a method of propagating cacti. Two cacti are combined here. One cactus serves as a base and is chosen specifically for the desired benefits. Some rootstocks lead to faster growth, others to flowering that occurs earlier. The other cactus is the one to be propagated or saved, also called the seedling.

Document:

When it comes to the rootstock, make sure that it is a resistant type of cactus that forms roots quickly, or that it already has a strong root system. The base forms the basis of the graft, so healthy and vital cacti should definitely be chosen here.

Common cacti are: Cereus peruvianus, Trichocereus pachanoi, Harrisia jusbertii, Pereskiopsis spathulata/kellermanii, Myrtillocactus geometrizans and many more.

infant:

The progeny is the cactus that is to be propagated or saved. It is important here that there is enough material available so that the leading strand of the seedlings can be connected to the leading strand of the substrate. It is also important to ensure that the pup is not already suffering from an infection.

Equipment needed:

Sharp, clean/sterile knives, wide rubber bands , disinfectants (isopropanol 70%, alcohol 70%) and a clean workplace (table).

Execution:

1. First, if possible, the substrate and the seedling are watered and checked to see if both are growing.

2. The tools, cacti (pad and seedlings) and workplace are sprayed with the disinfectant. The epidermis is usually thick enough to prevent damage from the disinfectant.

3. The tip is removed from the base and the thorns on the cutting edge are removed, this cutting edge is also bevelled. Otherwise you run the risk that the epidermis of the base will push the pre-plant from the interface when it dries.

4. The knife is disinfected again and a final cut is made on the base, a thin slice is cut off at a 90° angle at the top and left on the cactus, this serves as a barrier for bacteria, spores etc. that are in the air located and could fall on the interface.

5. Pieces are cut from the disinfected progeny that have at least one aerole (I recommend a row of at least 3 aeroles or a head piece of the progeny to start with) and the leading strand.

6. The disc of the pad is removed and the vascular strand from the piece of the graft is placed on the vascular strand of the pad. The air bubbles are removed by gently pressing and moving the sample back and forth on the surface.

7. The pup is fixed to the base with rubber bands. It is important that enough pressure is applied so that the pup is pressed well onto the base, but not crushed.

8. Finally, the specimen and the interfaces are sprayed with disinfectant and placed in a clean, dry, airy and warm place to dry.

If the substrate is well rooted, the first growth will appear after 1-2 weeks.

Series of pictures follows...

Types of grafting:

Head graft:

In the case of a head graft, the tip of the graft is placed on the base. This is usually the most common and simplest type of grafting, since the conductive strands connect very well here.

Picture Trichocereus p achanoi "Yowie" grafted onto Trichocereus pachanoi

Slab graft:

In a slab graft, a center section of the graft is divided into several pieces, usually halved. These pieces are then placed horizontally on the base. After some time, a new shoot will emerge from at least one aerosol of the progenitor.

Image Trichocereus peruvianus "Roseii 2" grafted onto Trichocereus pachanoi

butt graft:

In a butt graft, the bottom part is grafted "upside down" onto the base. Here, the conductive strands connect just as easily, and after a while a new shoot will emerge from an aerosol of the lower part of the progenitor.

Picture Lophophora "Japan Kultivar" grafted onto Ferocactus glaucescens