How to graft Christmas cactus? Latest grafting techniques and methods tutorial
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is an epiphytic succulent plant of the cactus family, genus Schlumbergera, commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It can be propagated by cuttings or by grafting, but grafting is the best method, as the resulting plants look better and produce excellent results whether for viewing on their own or for decorating and beautifying a room. Let's take a look at the grafting techniques for Christmas cactus!
Grafting time for Christmas cactus
Grafting can be done in late spring to early summer, or late summer to early autumn, but late spring to early summer is best. In southern regions, mid-May is most suitable, as this is the peak growing season for both the Christmas cactus and the cactus rootstock, allowing ideal scions and rootstocks to be selected. In addition, the temperature is suitable at this time, the scion and rootstock have strong compatibility, rot is less likely, and the survival rate is relatively high. For the scion, choose vigorous young branches, ideally the part with the growing tip, about 8-10 cm long. For the cactus rootstock, choose a one-year-old single-pad cactus grown specifically as a rootstock, about 15 cm long, with moderate flesh thickness.
Grafting techniques for Christmas cactus
1. Rootstock selection: For grafting Christmas cactus, select a one-year-old, elongated, not-too-thick but vigorous, pest-free cactus branch as the rootstock, 8-12 cm long. Remove it from the mother plant, cut the lower end flat, insert it into sandy loam, and cultivate for 2-3 months; once it has taken root, it can be used as a grafting rootstock.
2. Scion selection: For grafting Christmas cactus, select a healthy mother Christmas cactus plant, and from it choose a tender, jointed top branch of the current year as the scion, 3-4 cm long (an overly long scion will grow weakly after sprouting). Using a blade sterilized with alcohol, cut both sides of the lower part of the scion into a wedge shape, with a cut length of about 0.8-1.2 cm.
3. Grafting method: First, cut both sides of the basal segment of the scion diagonally into a duckbill shape. The cut surface should be 1.5-2.5 cm long, and it is best to make it in a single cut to aid survival. Then make a vertical cut at the top of the rootstock, with the width and depth of the cut slightly larger than the scion's cut surface, and quickly insert the prepared scion into the rootstock's cut and secure it. Finally, place the grafted pot in a wind-sheltered, shady, well-ventilated spot; survival can be expected in about 20-30 days.
Grafting care for Christmas cactus
1. Shade and light protection: After grafting the Christmas cactus, provide shade and protect it from light. A freshly grafted Christmas cactus has just been separated from the plant and is highly prone to wilting from excessive water loss, so it must be moved to a shady spot to reduce water evaporation.
2. Moderate watering: After grafting the Christmas cactus, water it moderately, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. Generally, water once every three or four days, and be very careful when watering to avoid water entering the cut.
3. Timely fertilizing: Moderate watering. If the graft has not wilted after half a month, it has survived, and after one month it can be fertilized moderately to promptly supply the nutrients needed for plant growth.
4. Timely staking: After the Christmas cactus graft has survived, because its stem segments are rather soft, stakes should be set up promptly during growth and tied appropriately to keep the plant shape complete and attractive.
5. Disease and pest control: Christmas cactus is prone to rot disease, which can be scraped off with a sterilized knife and disinfected by applying sulfur powder. The main pests are scale insects and aphids; if they occur in small numbers, they can be brushed off with a brush. If there are many, spray with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate or 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate, then spray again after 20 days.