Graft Schlumbergera in spring and master these key points so it will bloom

There is no doubt that grafted Schlumbergera grows fast, and it can be grown into a large plant that blooms in a spectacular mass of flowers. To develop an umbrella-shaped trailing plant form and increase its ornamental value, the key lies in using the correct grafting technique. Here are some specific management methods to share with you. Fellow gardeners can take what is useful, discard what is not, and make reasonable selections.

1. Selection of rootstock and scion: Using three-ribbed cereus, Schlumbergera, cactus balls, Opuntia and other succulents as rootstock can all produce successful grafts, but those grafted onto Schlumbergera and Cereus jamacaru 'Monstrosus' mostly grow weakly; those grafted onto cactus balls are prone to rot at the base; those grafted onto Opuntia not only grow vigorously but are also easy to shape. Among Opuntia, the tongue-shaped type is better than the round type, and new stock from the current year is better than old stock from last year, because the round type is both prone to basal rot and less attractive. For the scion, a newly grown joint of the current year with 3 branches is best, because such a scion is easy to shape. Tools used for grafting, such as the finger-shaped knife, should all be sterilized with alcohol or baijiu, which both promotes the formation of callus tissue and helps raise the survival rate.

2. Selection of grafting time: Grafting can be done in both spring and autumn. If managed properly, spring grafts can mostly bloom in the same year. However, suitable rootstock is still lacking at that time; in autumn rootstock is easy to obtain, but most will not bloom until the following year. If the scion already has flower buds on the mother plant, then after the graft takes, although it will bloom in the same year, it consumes too many nutrients and affects the growth of the young plant, so it is best to remove the flower buds. Therefore, the grafting time should be chosen according to the specific situation.

3. Key points of grafting technique: First make a vertical slit in the top of the Opuntia with a sterilized finger-shaped knife, but it should not be too deep, then cut the lower part of the Schlumbergera scion into a duck-bill shape with a sterilized blade, insert it immediately into the slit in the rootstock, then secure it with a cactus spine or plastic adhesive tape, and put a plastic bag over it to maintain air humidity, which helps it survive. One week after grafting, if the scion remains fresh and green, that is a sign it has taken; after about one more month, the successfully grafted plant can gradually be placed in a sunny spot for normal management.

For a Schlumbergera that has already been successfully grafted, whether it can grow strong and bloom on schedule depends on careful management, because Schlumbergera likes a shaded, humid environment and well-aerated soil. After Schlumbergera blooms, it consumes too many nutrients, which leads to slow growth, so fertilizer should be applied to replenish nutrients. Watering should follow the principle of preferring dry over wet, because if the pot is dry, growth will only slow down, but if watered too frequently and the potting soil is too wet, the roots will be damaged and the plant will die.