How to Graft Cactus and Succulents | Essential Guide

What is Grafting, and How Can It be Beneficial?

Grafting a succulent is basically the same as grafting a cactus. It’s a simple process that involves attaching a piece or even a full cactus (usually referred to as the “scion”) to a wounded piece of another cactus (referred to as the “rootstock”) to generate a single plant. 

Grafting is done for a variety of reasons. One goal may be to produce a separate species mechanically, but it can also be used to create disease-free stems, replace rotting stems, or improve photosynthesis in plants that lack the ability to do so. Grafting cactus plants also allows for the creation of unusual shapes, such as weeping plants.

This process is frequent in fruiting plants because it allows an existing cultivar to mature faster, resulting in early fruit output. The scion develops into the upper section of the plant, retaining all of the features of the parent species. The rootstock serves as the plant’s roots and base. The vascular cambium is where the scion and rootstock wounds are bound together to heal and connect.

The options for grafting cactus are not restricted to a single species. However, the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii and Hylocereus (aka Moon Cactus). or Myrtillocactus geometrizans (aka Blue Myrtle cactus) are the most widely utilized and top-choice cacti (as the base).

How to Graft A Cactus

When cutting, use very clean, sterile equipment. Prepare a scion from healthy plants. Remove the top of the plant or at least a 1-inch (2.5-cm) stem. Then, cut the base cactus within a few inches (7.5 cm.) of the soil to prepare the rootstock. Place the scion on top of the cut piece of the still-rooted rootstock, aligning the vascular cambium. 

Rubber bands can be used to keep the pieces together. Taking care of a grafted cactus is the same as looking after a naturally grown cactus. Keep a lookout for pests or rot at the joint. After about two months, remove the rubber bands; the joint should be sealed.

Rootstock Cactus for Grafting: The generally approved rootstocks for grafting cactus are: Hylocereus trigonus or undatus Cereus peruvianus Trichocereus spachianus

Compatibility is high if the rootstock and scion are of the same species. The greater the distance in the family relationship, the lesser compatibility between the two cacti. Two plants from the same genus can potentially graft, but two plants from different families are extremely unusual to graft. 

For the best results, grafting should be done with cactus from the same species and with as close a relationship as possible.

Caring for Grafted Cacti

Grafted cacti do not require much care, which makes them ideal for individuals who have a busy schedule. So if you’re stressed about caring for your newly grafted cactus, you can relax, it is actually simple!

1. Soil and Water

Overwatering is one of the most common causes of grafted cactus dying, as it is for most cacti. 

So make sure the soil you’re using drains well enough (like a cactus or succulent potting mix with perlite), so it doesn’t sit in water for too long and can properly dry between watering. A moisture meter can be used to check the moisture level of the soil.

To measure the moisture content of the soil, a wooden skewer should suffice. Simply insert the skewer deep into the cactus soil, remove it, and check to see if it is moist or has moist soil stuck to it. Do not water if moisture is detected.

2. Feeding

Grafted cacti, like any other plant, can be fertilized once a month while actively growing. Fertilization should be done when they enter the dormancy phase, which usually occurs in the winter months. However, for your grafted cactus, you can use any regular fertilizer, but just make sure it has a good proportion of NPK.

3. Light Exposure

Grafted cacti enjoy strong indirect light, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight would kill it. If you want to grow yours outside, make sure to gradually adapt your cactus to a brighter light to avoid it scorching and getting sunburned.

In addition, the rootstock of your grafted cactus is extremely susceptible to cold weather and frost. So, when it gets too chilly outside, bring it inside (preferably in a place with a temperature over 60°F).

What is Causing My Grafted Cactus to Turn Brown?

There are various reasons why a grafted cactus begins to turn brown or discolored, but the most common ones are:

1. Rotting Stem or Root Rot

If the stem of your grafted cactus begins to turn brown or discolored, the plant is most likely suffering from root rot (brown or black, mushy or slimy roots) caused by overwatering or poor drainage (or both).

What is the best way to save it? If root rot is detected, dig the grafted cactus out of its pot as quickly as possible (but carefully), remove or clip any unhealthy roots using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, and transplant it into a new pot with fresh, new well-draining soil.

How can you keep your stems from decaying or your roots from rotting? Make sure the grafted cactus is placed in a pot with sufficient drainage (either a plastic pot or any fancy pot with drainage holes), that the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil is dry, and that the grafted cactus has a good flow of oxygen to help prevent moisture from building up in the roots.

2. Pest Infestation

Pest infestation is a lesser common cause of yellowing/browning of the cacti. Examine the cactus closely to check if there are any creepy crawlies lurking around it.

If a spider mite infestation is severe, it might be fatal to the plant. Spider mites are small red bugs that resemble tiny red spiders. Apply alcohol to the affected area as soon as possible. If you do not separate the pest-infested plant, it will spread swiftly.

To avoid sun damage, keep the plant out of direct sunlight after spraying it with alcohol.

Aphids and mealybugs are two more prevalent pests. Examine your plant for any white fuzz, as these are unmistakable symptoms of mealybug infestations. These bugs feed on the plant’s delicate flesh, causing damage. Wipe the plant with rubbing alcohol to get rid of them.

The Bottomline

So, undertaking grafting cactus as a hobby will prove to be a very fun use of your time. With a little knowledge and some practice, you’ll be grafting your own cacti in no time. Not only will it teach you patience but it’ll also make you appreciate nature and how it works.

Plus, you’ll end up with amazing-looking plants for your garden! It is a win-win situation for sure.