CACTIBOTANY AND CULTIVATION
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Cacti / Cultivation procedures

Cultivation procedures

Rootstock selection and flat grafting

Cacti. A procedure compiled from several accounts, requiring adjustment to the scion.

Cactus and succulent atlasIndex of former namesTables and diagramsCultivation proceduresRootstocks
03 / GRAFTING • view of the cut surface
Comparison of vascular bundle arrangements in the scion and rootstockA large rootstock ring and a smaller scion ring. Changing the position allows comparison of potential tissue contact sites.Rootstock systemScion systemIllustrative proportions

A new diagram of the principle of tissue contact. The rings simplify the arrangement of vascular bundles. A geometric intersection does not guarantee a successful graft. Based on Fleischer and Schütz (1978), the chapter on grafting. [Fleischer and Schütz 1978] [Wang et al. 2024]

Sequence and conditions

  1. Establish the purpose, whether to rescue healthy tissue, accelerate seed production, maintain a chlorophyll-free form or ease cultivation. Cristata and variegata forms do not always require grafting. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  2. Choose a healthy, actively growing rootstock with a compatible seasonal rhythm and winter requirements. Record the identification of both partners. Echinopsis sp. does not denote a single clone. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  3. Prepare a clean, sharp blade and fastening. Disinfect the blade. Disinfect it again after contact with diseased tissue. Cut through healthy tissue. Disinfectant should not pool on the fresh wound. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  4. Cut the rootstock and scion. Join the fresh surfaces so that the conducting regions make contact. With different diameters, the scion usually needs to be moved off-centre. Remove air bubbles without crushing the tissues. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  5. Secure with moderate pressure. Keep warm and in diffuse light while checking for drying and rot. Do not expose the fresh union to strong sun or a stream of water. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  6. Keep the fastening in place until the union is stable. Check the tissues and remove competing rootstock offsets. The time given in an individual account applies to the material and conditions used. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]
  7. In winter, use conditions tolerated by both rootstock and scion. A frost-hardy rootstock does not confer that trait on a warmth-loving scion. [Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]

Scope of the method

These materials contain no single rootstock with proven compatibility with every species.

Short-term compatibility and durability over many years are separate outcomes.

Sources for the description

[Biuletyn PTMK, Oddział we Wrocławiu 1989, file p. 5, 6, 7, 8] [Wolf 2009, file p. 1, 2] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005a, file p. 55, 56, 57] [Modrakowski 2005, file p. 46, 47]

Comparison of rootstocks and names used in the literature ↗

Plants described in these materials

Mammillaria carmeniaeAstrophytum asteriasAstrophytum ornatumAstrophytum myriostigmaAstrophytum capricorneAstrophytum coahuilensePediocactus knowltoniiPediocactus peeblesianusPediocactus sileriSclerocactus papyracanthusSclerocactus glaucusSclerocactus mesae-verdaeSclerocactus polyancistrusSclerocactus pubispinusSclerocactus johnsoniiSclerocactus intertextusOpuntia humifusaOpuntia fragilisOpuntia camanchicaPelecyphora aselliformisParodia concinna