Even contact
The fastening should prevent movement. It must not cut into the stem or remain taut after its volume changes. [Fleischer and Schütz 1978] [Wang et al. 2024]
Protection from drying
A small scion dehydrates easily. A cover limits evaporation, but requires monitoring of temperature, condensation and signs of infection. [Fleischer and Schütz 1978] [Wang et al. 2024]
The fastening method depends on scion size. The drawing does not specify the force of pressure or how long to keep the cover in place. Avoid overheating in the sun in both cases. [Fleischer and Schütz 1978] [Wang et al. 2024]
Sequence and conditions
- Hils used seedlings about 6 weeks old and Echinopsis rootstocks 2–3 cm in diameter. He cut the seedling at half its height, placed it at the edge of the vascular bundle and held it with a gentle elastic band. [Hils 1989, file p. 5, 6] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 28, 31, 32]
- For seedlings with long tubercles, Kłosiński made a frame from 1–2 mm wire, an elastic band and fine wire in a PVC tube. The pressure loop accommodated the tubercles, and the height and pressure were adjusted by shifting and twisting the elastic band. [Hils 1989, file p. 5, 6] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 28, 31, 32]
- The device stabilizes the scion without crushing the tubercles. Observe its position and pressure as rootstock turgor changes. The tool should not injure the stem. [Hils 1989, file p. 5, 6] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 28, 31, 32]
- Kłosiński reports almost 90% successful unions over three seasons and a trial by a second grower. The full dataset is absent. He kept the device in place for no longer than about two weeks. [Hils 1989, file p. 5, 6] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 28, 31, 32]
Scope of the method
Hils describes a union forming within 24 hours, while another author uses a longer fastening period. These are different protocols, not conflicting universal standards.
The reported 90% does not imply predictable results for a beginner or every clone.
Sources for the description
[Hils 1989, file p. 5, 6] [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 28, 31, 32]
Comparison of rootstocks and names used in the literature ↗