Detailed demonstration of grafting Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Beginners will get it right after watching, with plenty of flowers and no root rot.

I had promised readers that I would take photos of the process of grafting Christmas cactus, but I was always too busy with work and never got the chance. Today I finally found the time, so I am posting the process in order for beginners to learn from.

Choose the scion, a leaf of the Christmas cactus.

Choose the rootstock, Pereskia, and a vigorous one is best.

Cut off the side branches.

Pierce two needle holes at the top.

Cut down vertically from the top.

Trim the scion slightly into a wedge shape. This is what some books call the duck-bill shape.

Insert the scion and secure it by pushing a wooden thorn through the needle holes.

Tie it with plastic tape, which is especially important for beginners and can improve the survival rate.

Label it to record the variety.

Put an opaque bag over it.

Move it to a sunny windowsill and care for it as usual.