Propagating Cactus by Cuttings

Cactus grafting is another form of propagation which should be avoided if possible, unless it is essential to save a plant, but growers should know the various methods of grafting. Some plants have to be grafted-crests and variegated plants, but generally it should only be used to save cuttings which are too small to root. Grafting should not be used to force slow-growing plants, since it tends to change their 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 or otherwise-during the maximum growing period. The necessary grafting tools are two sharp clean knives and rubber bands or wool. There are 3 kinds of grafts generally used. The flat, 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 will 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, 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 and 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. The new graft should be kept in a cool, shady place for a few days until the graft has taken. During this period no water should come in contact with the fresh cuts. The length of time for uniting depends on the kind of plant that 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 to obtain a perfect fit. To keep the scion in place it is necessary to fasten securely and this can be done by using two, long, thin cactus spines. 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 Else Is Inside

Caring for Newly Sown Lawn - Don't make the mistake of sprinkling it daily; but if the upper inch or so of soil , Bonsai Styles becomes obviously dry, then water , Moving Your Roses it freely with a fine sprinkler adjusted so that it will not wash the surface soil , Insects and Pests away. Once the seed , Home Grown Tomatoes has started to germinate, the young...

The Oriental Fruit Moth - The oriental fruit , Types of Mulch moth (Cydia Molesta), also known as the peach tip , Propagating Cactus by Cuttings moth, first appeared in the Sydney district about 1909, and is now common in the coastal parts of this State, and also in some inland areas. It attacks peaches, nectarines, quinces and o...

Red Scale - Red scale (Aonidiella aurantii) is the most important insect pest , Temperature and Humidity of citrus trees , Sowing Seed in Cold Frames (orange, mandarin, lemon, grapefruit) and may occur wherever these trees , Caring for Bulbs are grown. It is more important in inland areas but may be destructive in coastal districts in dry s...

Clover Root Weevil - Surveys show that the clover root , Bonsai Trees weevil (Amnetnus quadrituberculatus) is widespread in that part of New South Wales from the Tweed to the Manning Rivers, both in natural , Cactus Grafting and sown clover pastures. It occurs on a wide range of soils, , Tomato Catepillar and field observations...

Growing Bonsai - In the art of tree , Preparing Your New Garden growth a sense of aesthetics, care, and patience all come together. The plant, , Tree and Shrub Propagation the shaping and surface of the soil , How to grow Tomatoes and the selected container come together to express "heaven and earth , Growing Melons from Seed in one container" as a Japanese cliche has i...

Choosing Ground Covers - Choosing ground covers: When selecting plants , Flowers and Colour for ground cover it is essential to take into account the climate, , Argentine Ants soil , Growing Mangoes and Lychees from Stones and aspect, because ground covers, like all plants, , Bonsai Tree Care will not grow , Fertilizing Houseplants well if subjected to uncongenial conditions. The shade-lovers will look...

The Illusion of Age in Bonsai - Creating the illusion of age is one of the important aspects of bonsai. , Push Lawn Sweepers The shape of the trunk contributes to an aged look, but surface roots , Seed Raising add to the venerable appearance. They should radiate around the trunk on all sides and reflect a solid base on wh...

Growing Asparagus - It is generally considered that Asparagus is difficult to grow , Keeping Your Plants in Happy Surroundngs but this is not so, although it does take up a rather large area of garden , Planting a Rose for the small owner, and only produces at most a crop for three months of the year....

Bonsai Tree Care - Heavy watering makes the trees , Cactus Pests and Disease more susceptible to fungal infections and "root rot". Sun, , Pruning Newly Planted Roses heat , The Black Peach Aphid and wind exposure can quickly dry a tree , Grass Seed to the point of drought, , Cactus Grafting and most trees , DIY Safety must be afforded some protection from these elements....

Propagating Cactus by Cuttings

Gardening

Forum

Plants

Gardens

Home Improvement

Landscaping

Environment

Shopping

Farming