Grafting Cactus and Succulents(Note: GRAFTED CACTUS
may exhibit combinations of forms not found in nature,
depending upon the imagination of the propagator.) GRAFTING TECHNIQUES This is a somewhat more complicated way of producing more plants than is propagation from cuttings or seed. However, grafting offers the hobbyist several avenues of equally fascinating growing. The technique can be used to create or preserve plant oddities (crests and other unusual shapes), and it is also a way to get difficult plants to take root. In addition, grafted plants frequently grow more quickly and vigorously than if they were propagated from cuttings.
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Not
all succulents can be grafted; only members of
the cactus, milkweed, and euphorbia families
that have a definite cambium or growth layer
will be successful. Grafting is best done during
the growing season from May to October. It is
then that plants are vigorous and with enough
sap flowing to insure a perfect union of all
parts. There are three grafting methods: flat,
cleft, and side. The flat graft is easiest fitting
a flat base to a flat top. After selecting
the stock, make a transverse cut with a clean
sharp knife on each plant, then press the two
flat surfaces together.
Use
rubber bands, string, or toothpicks to hold
the graft union in place. The cleft graft fits
a wedge-shaped base into a "v" cut.
Join the two pieces together with a spine or
tie them with string. The third method is a
side graft, in which both plants are cut on
a slant and respective pieces joined with string
until a union is formed. Be sure the plant
used as grafting stock is healthy and vigorous;
it must support the scion until it is ready
to be grown alone. Take plump, fresh scions
from firm growing tips or new offshoots.
The
success of grafting depends greatly upon
fitting the cut surfaces evenly together so that
the growth layers of both parts will be in contact
with each other. Keep the cuts free of dirt
and dust; if running sap becomes a problem,
soak the parts in water for a few minutes
to dissolve the sap. Give grafted plants slight
shade for a day or two. Thereafter, check
occasionally to be sure the rubber bands or string
are not too tight on the plant. Do not sprinkle
newly grafted plants. Spines used to secure unions
will dissolve within the plant without
a trace; toothpicks will have to be removed
later and will leave a slight scar.
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