How to Graft Schlumbergera onto Coral Cactus: Methods, Precautions and Flowering Care

Coral cactus (Cylindropuntia) is a recently popular succulent plant. It has strong vitality and is relatively easy to grow. Especially when other succulent varieties struggle through the summer, it is surprisingly easy to care for, and it also blooms with bright yellow flowers that are very vivid. The propagation methods of coral cactus are generally cuttings and sowing, and the survival rates are both very high. Today let us take a look at the grafting propagation method for coral cactus.

Methods and Precautions for Grafting Schlumbergera onto Coral Cactus

Preparation items: a small knife, a robust coral cactus, a healthy Schlumbergera leaf about 10cm, glass glue, a lit candle;

Grafting method

1. Cut a Schlumbergera leaf about 10cm long and let it dry in a cool place for one day;

2. Cut off the top of the coral cactus, whittle the lower end of the Schlumbergera into a duck-bill shape and insert it into the coral cactus. Do not insert it into the central pith for convenience, as that is a death zone!

3. Light the candle and seal the joint with wax oil to prevent water evaporation or water entering! Then use tape, a sterilized toothpick inserted to secure it, or a rack to fix the Schlumbergera in place.

Precautions:

1. The best time to graft Schlumbergera is in spring or autumn, and the best time is a sunny morning.

2. After grafting, the Schlumbergera should be shaded for 3-5 days and placed in a cool, ventilated place, and the wound should not get wet.

3. If the leaf still remains fresh and firm 7 days after grafting, it can basically be confirmed that the Schlumbergera grafting was successful.

Flowering Care for Coral Cactus

1. Light management

Coral cactus likes sunlight, so during the growing period it should be given sufficient light, especially when it is blooming, because it needs to consume a large amount of nutrients, so during the flowering period it must be placed in a place with light for care.

2. Fertilization and watering management

Coral cactus is a plant that should avoid chemical fertilizers. Applying chemical fertilizers can easily cause the roots of coral cactus to rot, so apply as little as possible or not at all. In spring and from late summer to early autumn, you can apply twice with half a month between applications of decomposed liquid fertilizer.

Be especially careful with watering and fertilizing to avoid damaging the plant's roots, so fertilization and watering must be done on time and in the right amount.

3. Potting soil management

The potting soil for growing coral cactus is suitable for dryness and not for moisture. If it is too wet for a long time, it will cause the plant's roots to rot and affect the healthy growth of the entire plant. Doing well in these aspects of care is extremely beneficial for flowering.

4. Transplanting management

When transplanting, it is generally done during the growing period, so when transplanting, be sure not to damage the root and stem parts, so as not to affect flowering.

Differences Between Coral Cactus and Euphorbia tirucalli

1. Morphological characteristics

Coral cactus: Coral cactus is a shrub-like plant. Its stems and branches are generally round, with a diameter of 0.5-1.5cm and length, and the color is generally emerald green. The overall plant grows slender, straight and upright. The flowers are yellow and open in midsummer, so the flowering period is in summer.

Euphorbia tirucalli: Compared with coral cactus, the overall plant form of Euphorbia tirucalli is more slender and tender green, with black spots growing on the stems, looking tender and juicy, as if water could be pinched out of it.

2. Growth habits

Coral cactus: Coral cactus is a plant that likes sunlight and avoids exposure to intense sun. So when growing it, you can place it in front of a window, on a balcony, or in other places with bright scattered light.

During the summer dormancy period, reduce the amount of watering and also pay attention to shading. During the spring and autumn growing periods, water only after the potting soil has dried thoroughly, and when watering, water the soil thoroughly.

Euphorbia tirucalli: Euphorbia tirucalli likes a warm, dry and sunny growing environment, and it is tolerant of drought and semi-shade environments, but it is not cold-resistant and fears damp shade, as such an environment will affect the normal growth of the plant.

The optimum temperature for growth is 15-25°C, and in winter the temperature should not be lower than 10°C.

3. Family and genus category

Coral cactus: Coral cactus is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family, and its growth habits and other aspects have many similarities with cacti.

Euphorbia tirucalli: Euphorbia tirucalli is a plant of the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae, clearly different from the category of coral cactus.

Brief Introduction to Coral Cactus

1. Alternative names

Coral cactus also has another name called cactus stick.

2. Morphological characteristics

Coral cactus is a shrub-like plant, but it is indeed a plant of the Cactaceae family. The stem is round, covered with small spines, and has a diameter of 0.5-1.5cm. In summer it blooms with small yellow flowers.

3. Growth habits

Coral cactus likes sunlight and avoids exposure to intense sun. For home care, it can be placed in front of a window, on a balcony, and in other places with bright scattered light. If there is insufficient light, leggy growth will occur, the new stems will appear light green and become very slender, and the plant will be in another state.

During the winter and summer dormancy periods, water should be reduced and shade provided. During the spring and autumn growing periods, when watering, pay attention to waiting until the potting soil has dried thoroughly before watering, and when watering, water the soil thoroughly.

The new stems of coral cactus are very tender, and in the wild they are easily eaten, while in home care they are also often eaten by pests such as snails. Pay attention to prevention and catch them promptly.

Through the above description, I believe everyone has a better understanding of coral cactus. Its growth habits are actually very similar to those of cacti. For example, light is an indispensable growth requirement, especially when it is blooming. If there is too little light, it is very likely to cause leggy growth in coral cactus.