Secrets To Growing Cactus And Succulents: January 2020

Cactus Surgeon In The Making

Performing Saving Graft

Using Cereus Rootstock

On A. Ornatum Kikko

Our Patient

This is a degrafted and rooted newly bought Astrophytum ornatum 'Kikko'. It is not mentioned where the source of this cactus but from looking at the way it was grown, usually it came from either Taiwan or China.

It was a nice looking specimen sized ornatum 'Kikko' and I really wish to use it for breeding. But things get the worst turn possible, basal rot starting from the corking part of the ornatum. My best bet is that this guy is out of gas due to long shipment as it was not watered, only rooted in low moisture dirt. Plus, it is lighter than what I expect from this size of cactus.

Despites putting out lots of new root, it rot and leave me no choice but to perform saving graft using the unaffected ribs. The real challenges are performing graft using ornatum ribs and grafting using Cereus with skinny ribs.

In view of that, I would like to share how the whole process was performed.

Surgery Objectives

To preserve the line of A. ornatum 'Kikko'
To secure a good number of successful grafts
To ensure the union lasts and not further affected by rain or fungus.
To end with good scion growth and long lasting rootstock

Methodology

Graft is perform on Cereus rootstock
Rootstock is still on mother plant, removing the whole union and place it in the dark might increase success rate but I did not have the time to do so
The union surface is increased by attaching scion vertically
Scion is prepared to match flat surface on rootstock graft cut
Scion is held using common grafting tape
Potential water entry from the top is covered using grafting tape

Step 1

The only apparatus used. Rubber band and plastic wrap is not practical in performing quick and mass grafting with this kind of scion.

Step 2

I cut the top part of rootstock then made a vertical cut to greatly increase union surface. Another horizontal cut helps too in adding union surface plus will hold the scion in place.

Step 3

Cut the scion to match rootstock's vertical and horizontal cut

Step 4

Time to match the cut on both scion and rootstock. Make sure the scion is well matched with root stock that none of them is exceeding the top cut. This is to ensure that you can cover both using grafting tape later.

Step 5

Usually I never stop once the tape is rolling, but for the sake of taking picture I stop right on where the tape is enough to hold the graft. Then I resume taping the whole thing like grafting fruit tree. As I made a vertical cut, they are prone to rain entry risk. Covering the top solve this, all left is to wait for result in a week or two.

Conclusion

I am totally used to cactus death and rot, so I made this critical decision with consideration on the failure risk and the expected result that I want. I would rather graft this scion than cutting the whole plant into a third of what is was and then risk rooting it. From my observation, cutting and rooting the ornatum posses greater risk as the core of it is weak and dehydrated compared to the ribs.

I will update the result on next week. Hopefully some of the took.

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Opuntia Grafting Guide

Introduction

Opuntia is a tough cactus that flourish very well in almost all growing condition from ice cold to desert hot region. In addition, it could withstand our hot and wet condition unlike most Mediterranean and South American cactus that usually melt away when grown in tropical region.

This time, I pick Opuntia as rootstock due to their toughness, long lifespan, sticky sap and abundance availability. Other than that, this is my first time grafting Opuntia, it will serve as a good learning curve. It is funny how I have spent time and money getting imported rootstock yet the locals are growing everywhere around me.

I will share grafting method conducted, which done according to my reading and other grafting experience. To be honest, when you get the gist it is very easy to perform. No wonder Taiwan and Thailand grower could mass graft using Opuntia.

Preparation

You need to choose less than one year old Opuntia pads to be used for grafting. New growth has more sap but thinner in comparison to mature pad. Make sure you wear gloves as they have glochids, tiny thorns that itch a lot when they prick.

Step 1

Cut the top part of the pad, I also cut the lower part to ease grafting when you stick the scion later.

Look at the cambium ring, they are not exactly ring-looking cambium, instead more like a oval shaped and this can be advantageous as more surface to place scion anywhere on the cut.

Step 2

Cut the scion, I use Lophophora dan Lobivia for this session.

Step 3

Look at how sticky the Opuntia sap is. That is why they are one of the best for grafting, some grower do not use any pressure holding material such as rubber on Opuntia graft. But I am not confident enough to do so yet.