Nursery owner Kelly Grummons joins show host Michele Driscoll Alioto to demonstrate how to graft two kinds of cacti together. Grafting is necessary, explains Grummons, because some cactus varieties lack the chloropyll necessary to thrive. Joining them with cacti that have chlorophyll ensures a long, healthy life for the plants and also makes for some interesting visual combinations.
Grafting involves uniting a cutting (called a scion) from a slow-growing, difficult cactus with the rootstock base of a more vigorous plant. When grafted together, the cutting species is easier to cultivate and bring into flower, and its growth rate can be increased by as much as tenfold. Here's what you do:
Materials:
potted base cactus, variety of your choice
scion cactus (cutting), variety of your choice
sharp knife or utility blade
rubber bands
Steps:
- Choose a healthy rootstock with a diameter similar to or a little larger than the cutting. (Echinopsis is a good rootstock choice.)
- Before making any cuts in the plants, make sure your hands and all equipment are clean. Carefully cut about one inch off the top of the base cactus. If the central core tissue is not exposed, then take another thin slice. Next, bevel the edges of the cut, removing 1/4 inch of skin from all around the stock. This will keep the skin from holding the cutting off the base when the tissue shrinks after grafting.
- Now carefully cut the bottom off the scion cactus, again making sure that the central core tissue of the plant is exposed. Bevel 1/4 inch of skin from around the cut edge.
- Place the cut surfaces of the scion and the base cactus together so their central core tissues touch. Gently rotate the top cutting (scion) to remove any air pockets.
- Secure the rootstock and scion in place with a pair of rubber band. Gentle, even pressure must be applied for about two weeks to hold the cutting and base together while the graft unites. For large cacti, use weighted string or nylon stockings (for tiny species) and drape or wrap at right angles over the scion and base.
- Place the grafted plant in a bright, airy spot (avoid full sun). After two weeks, feed and water as normal.
- Once there are signs of active growth (about four weeks), remove the rubber bands.
Guests Kelly Grummons
Owner, Timberline Gardens
11700 W. 58th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80002
Phone: 303-420-4060
URL:
www.timberlinegardens.com
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