Cactus Grafting

Cactus grafting is another form of propagation which should be avoided if possible, unless it is essential to save Try:, Huacayas United States, Polisha plant, Also consider:, Insurance in Utah, Roses in New Mexico but growers should know the various methods of grafting. Some plants Also consider:, Japanese Garden Maintenance, Prinicples of a Japanese Gardenhave to be grafted—crests and variegated plants, Try:, Types of Roses, Farming Equipment in Vermont but generally it should only be used to save Consider also:, Lawn Sprigging, Potted Rosescuttings which are too small to root. Including:, flora26, Roses in New Mexico Grafting should not be used to force slow-growing plants, Consider also:, flora25, Mouldings since it tends to change See:, Farming Equipment in Vermont, Humidity and House Plantstheir characteristics.

The success of grafting depends on the condition of the stock plant used, and it must be in full growth. It is a good idea to behead the stock a few weeks before grafting—this causes the stock to swell to almost bursting point. The best time to graft is in late spring—early summer Other resources include:, flora26, Cactus Grafting or otherwise—during the maximum growing period. The necessary grafting tools Including:, Architects in Ireland, Lawn Spriggingare two sharp clean knives and rubber bands or wool. There are 3 kinds of grafts generally used. The flat, Also consider:, Dolomite, Decorations the cleft and the side.

THE FLAT GRAFT
To start, cut the top of the stock plant; this should be made in the soft, new growth. The spines should be trimmed off and the edges should be bevelled, for often the centre of the stock will sink—creating a hollow in which air Other resources include:, Types of Plants - T, Country Candleswill be trapped when fitting the scion on. All this rough work should be done with the rough knife. Then with the good knife take a thin slice from the top of the stock plant, Go here:, flora7, Rose Pests and Diseases but leave on top. This will prevent the stock from drying out while the scion is being prepared. The scion is prepared in the same way. The thin slice on top of the stock is removed and the scion is placed on immediately. Move the scion slightly back and forth over the stock surface to exclude any air Go here:, Architects in Ireland, Lawn Spriggingand help form a seal.

The scion must be pressed down firmly on the stock and secured in such a way that firm pressure is maintained and no shifting can occur while the two parts unite. This can be achieved by the use of rubber bands stretched over the graft and around the pot. Consider also:, How to Grow Roses, Grass Seed Mixtures The new graft should be kept in a cool, shady place Other resources include:, Country Candles, Wine Glassesfor a few days until the graft has taken. During this period no water And:, Dolomite, Country Candlesshould come in contact with the fresh cuts. The length of time for uniting depends on the kind of plant Consider also:, Virus Diseases, Decorationsthat is being grafted, and the health The cleft graft is very simple to make. The stock is prepared in the same way as before. A long "V"-shaped notch is cut in the top of the stock and the stem of the scion is then cut on two sides to form a wedge, which is inserted into the split of the stock. The cut surfaces should be perfectly flat Other resources include:, Feeding Roses, Dolomiteto obtain a perfect fit. To keep the scion in place Other resources include:, Decorations, Rocks and Stones in a Japanese Gardenit is necessary to fasten securely and this can be done by using two, long, thin cactus See:, flora10, Rose Pests and Diseasesspines. They are thrust into the stock through the scion to the opposite side. To stop the stock from spreading wrap raffia or wool around the graft. Secure it firmly, and treat in the same way as before. Remove the binding on the first signs of new growth.

SIDE GRAFT
The side graft is the best for the more slender type cacti, e.g., Zygocactus, Aporocactus. Cut the stock on a slant and remove a thin slice with a razor from the base of the Zygocactus. Then lay the scion on the stock, pin them together and bind.

What's Inside

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