El grafting on cactus It is a technique that helps us improve their growth and flowering. Because what we do is unite two plants so that they develop and flower as one.
Of course, for the operation to be successful we must know how to deal with it, and we are going to tell you everything you have to do.
Why graft a cactus?
There are many reasons for doing so, but the most common ones are these:
- Accelerate growth. Some cactus species are very slow growing, but when grafted onto a vigorous rootstock, they can grow faster.
- Improve flowering. There are cactus species that take many years to flower, but when grafted onto an adult rootstock they can flower sooner.
- Propagating difficult varieties. Some cactus varieties are difficult to propagate by other methods, such as cuttings or seeds, but can be grafted successfully.
- Obtain more resistant plants. Grafting a cactus onto a disease- or pest-resistant rootstock can result in a more resilient plant.
What is a cactus graft?
As we said, this is a specialized technique with which we are going to unite two different plants so that they grow as one.
The graft is based on the union of vascular tissues of plants, and it can be done in many species, such as in the fruit trees.
We have two clearly differentiated parts:
- Rootstock. The plant that provides the roots and base for the graft. It must be a vigorous species and compatible with the graft.
- Graft (or scion). The part that is attached to the rootstock, usually a stem segment or areole containing the meristematic tissue (growth tissue) of the plant to be propagated or improved.
The key to successful grafting is to achieve an intimate union between the cambium tissues (layer of cells between the bark and the wood) of the rootstock and the graft. This requires:
- Selection of materials. Choose a rootstock and a graft that are compatible, in terms of genus and species, and that are in good health and actively growing.
- Preparation. Disinfect cutting tools and grafting areas to prevent infection. Make clean, precise cuts on both components, exposing the cambium.
- Union. Place the graft on the rootstock, ensuring that the cambium tissues of both plants are in contact. To do this, we can use fixation techniques, such as elastic bands or special adhesive tape for grafts, to keep the union firm.
- Post-graft care. We must be able to provide suitable environmental conditions for healing and union development, such as warm temperature, controlled humidity, and protection from direct sunlight and rain.
Types of grafts in cacti
You have probably already realized that grafting is not something for those who are just starting out in the world of gardening; it requires you to have some basic knowledge.
If you want to try your luck, another thing you should know is that there are several grafting techniques:
V-shaped or wedge graft
It consists of making a "V" shaped cut in the rootstock and at the same time giving the graft a wedge shape so that it fits into the cut. A technique that is ideal for grafting columnar or thick-stemmed cacti.
Its advantage is that it is easy to perform and provides a good contact surface between the graft and the rootstock.
Appositional graft
With this technique the flat cutting surfaces are joined together of both plants, ensuring that the cambium tissues are in contact. This is suitable for grafting cacti with flat or cylindrical stems.
It is a simple technique that allows us to graft cacti of different shapes.
Areola Graft
An areola containing the meristematic tissue of the desired plant is extracted and inserted into a cut made in the rootstock. It is used to propagate rare or difficult varieties of cacti that do not produce shoots or seeds.
Its great advantage is that it allows plants to be propagated from a small amount of tissue.
Segment graft
It consists of cutting a stem segment from the desired plant and placing it on the rootstock, ensuring that the cambium tissues are in contact. This technique is very useful for propagating cactus with segmented stems, like opuntias.
It stands out because it is easy to perform and allows large quantities of plants to be propagated from a single segment.
Crown graft
To do this, several cuts are made around the stem of the rootstock and the grafts are inserted in a wedge shape. This allows creating plants with multiple grafts of different varieties.
The benefit we get is that we can combine different characteristics in a single plant.
Tips for Successfully Grafting Cactus
There are several techniques you can choose from, but whichever one you use, following these tips will help you have a better chance of success:
Planning and preparation
- Pick the right time. The best time to graft cacti is during the active growing season (spring and summer).
- Select healthy plants. Both the rootstock and the graft must be healthy and free of disease or pests. Choose a vigorous rootstock that is compatible with the graft. Research which species are compatible to ensure graft success.
- Gather the necessary tools. You will need a sharp, clean knife, rubbing alcohol, gloves, rubber bands or special grafting tape, and possibly rooting hormones.
- Prepare the rootstock. If the rootstock is very tall, you can cut it back a few days before grafting to allow it to heal. Make sure it has a healthy root system and is well hydrated.
Grafting process in cactus
- Disinfect the tools. Clean the knife with alcohol before and after each cut to prevent the spread of disease.
- Cut the rootstock. Make a clean, horizontal cut in the rootstock, just above the area where you want to graft.
- Prepare the graft. Cut a stem segment or areole from the plant you want to graft. If you are grafting a segment, make sure it has at least one areole.
- Join the parts. Place the graft over the rootstock cut, ensuring that the cambium tissues (the green layer just beneath the bark) of both plants are in contact.
- Fix the graft. Use rubber bands or special grafting tape to hold the two parts together firmly. Be careful not to pull too tight to avoid damaging the plants.
Aftercare
- Protects the graft. Place the grafted plant in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Avoid watering the plant for a few days to allow the graft to heal.
- Monitor healing. Check the graft regularly to make sure there are no signs of rot or infection. If you see anything unusual, remove the affected part and apply a fungicide.
- Remove the fixation. Once the graft has healed (usually within one to two weeks), carefully remove the elastic bands or tape.
Grafting cacti is a delicate task that requires special attention and care, but if done well the result is spectacular. Do you dare to try it?