The Grafting Methods and Points to Note for Zygocactus
You may not be familiar with the grafting methods and points to note for Zygocactus, but this topic related to flower cultivation will definitely be helpful to you. Let's learn about it together!
Grafting methods and points to note for Zygocactus:
1. -- Selection of Rootstock and Scion for Grafting Zygocactus --
The rootstocks for grafting Zygocactus include cacti, triangular columns, cactus balls, and leaf cacti. However, cacti and triangular columns are the most commonly used. Triangular columns are less cold-resistant and prone to cold damage in winter, so they are rarely used in the Shanghai area. Cacti not only have strong cold resistance but also a well-developed root system, allowing for faster growth after grafting, making them widely used as rootstocks. There are many types of cacti, and those with long elliptical shapes are best for grafting Zygocactus. It is recommended to choose 1-2-year-old plants that are thick, free of diseases and pests, and without mechanical damage. Over-wooded cacti have reduced vitality and the survival rate of grafting will also decrease.
The scion should be selected from new, plump, and vigorous flat stems. It is best to take 3-5 internodes, as too many internodes can easily affect survival and the recovery of growth after survival.
2. -- Timing for Grafting Zygocactus --
The timing for grafting Zygocactus is generally from late April to early October, when the temperature is between 15°C and 30°C. Spring to early summer is the best time, as it can facilitate healing and growth. Grafting too early or too late, when temperatures are low, results in slow plant growth, which is not conducive to the survival of grafts. During the rainy season, high humidity can easily cause the cut surfaces to become infected and rot. In summer, high temperatures cause Zygocactus to enter dormancy, making the flat stems thin and prone to rot, so grafting is not recommended.
3. -- Method for Grafting Zygocactus --
Grafting Zygocactus requires an understanding of the distribution pattern of the vascular bundles in the rootstock and scion plants. The vascular bundles of cacti are arranged in a circular pattern, which can produce cambium and thus have the ability to regenerate, allowing the stem to continuously increase in size and ensuring the survival of the graft. Due to the diverse shapes of cacti, the distribution and position of the vascular bundles vary, and only by understanding these different distributions can the vascular bundles of the two plants be closely aligned to ensure the survival of the graft and good growth after survival. The vascular bundles of the cactus's central column are oblong, and there are vascular bundle branches connecting the central column's vascular bundles to the areoles. The vascular bundles of Zygocactus are located in the central part of the flat stem, and their position can be observed from the outside due to the thinness of the stem.
Before grafting, prepare the tools for grafting. The tools should be sharp and preferably wiped with alcohol or heated over a flame for disinfection. The main grafting method for Zygocactus is the楔接法 (also known as plug grafting or split grafting). During grafting, first, cut the top of the cactus horizontally, then use a sharp and narrow knife to make a 2 cm deep slot along the edge of the cactus's central column vascular bundles. Then, cut the scion diagonally on both sides to form a beak-like shape about 1 cm long. The cuts on the rootstock or scion should be made with a single cut to ensure a smooth surface. Finally, insert the cut scion into the deep slot in the rootstock, ensuring a tight fit, and secure it with a cactus spine or bamboo spike to prevent it from slipping out.
After grafting, the Zygocactus plant should be placed in a semi-shaded area protected from rain, and the potting soil should be kept moist. When watering, avoid getting water into the graft joint. Generally, the plant can survive in about half a month, and after survival, it can be transferred to normal care. With proper care, the plant can bloom in the same year and will have an umbrella-shaped growth habit after two years.
One rootstock can be grafted with one scion, or 2-3 scions. The main cutting object during grafting is usually the central column vascular bundles, but the vascular bundle branches of the areoles can also be used for grafting.
Zygocactus can also be grafted using the rootless grafting method. This involves removing a cactus branch from the mother plant and then grafting it directly, waiting for the wound to dry before planting it in a pot. At this point, the growth of the grafted plant relies entirely on the moisture and nutrients contained in the cactus. Generally, after about a month, the cactus can root and the graft can survive.
If using a triangular column as the rootstock, the vascular bundle branches between the central column and the areoles can be used for grafting. During grafting, choose the areole area, make a 45-degree diagonal cut to the woody part, and then insert the cut scion and secure it. Longer triangular columns can be grafted in layers, with the first layer grafted at 20 cm from the pot surface, and then another layer every 4-7 cm going up, which concludes the introduction to the grafting methods and points to note for Zygocactus.
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