Create your own grafted cactus or salvage a damaged plant with this simple guide to cactus grafting!
There are a number of different reasons why you may want to graft your cactus. Some species, like moon cacti, naturally lack chlorophyll and need to be grafted onto a different cactus in order to be able to photosynthesize and grow. Additionally, some cacti that don’t produce offsets can also be propagated via grafting, or grafting can be used to boost growth or help you salvage a cactus with a damaged root system.
Grafting can also be done for purely aesthetic reasons. If you love the unique look of coral cacti, you may be surprised to know that this cactus type wouldn’t exist without the magic of grafting!
So, if all this talk of grafting has inspired you, read on and learn how to begin grafting cactuses at home with this simple tutorial.
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What cacti can be grafted?
You can attempt to graft virtually any cactus species; however, choosing cactus varieties that are closely related will increase the chance that your graft will be successful.
In order to graft a cactus, you will need a rootstock plant and a scion. The rootstock will form the base of the grafted cactus and should have a firmly established root system. The scion will be the top and more ornamental section of your cactus.
Common choices for rootstock cacti include:
- Hylocereus spp.
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans
- Trichocereus spachianus
- Harrisia jusbertii
- Cereus peruvianus
- Mammillaria bocasana
Moon cacti or Gymnocalycium mihanovichii are often used as scions because they come in fun colors and they require a rootstock to grow. That said, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out other cactus varieties to create your scion.
Cactus varieties that are closely related will be more compatible for grafting. Cactuses in the same genus will often graft successfully, but it’s much more rare to have a graft taken when you’re using two cacti that are only in the same family. Feel free to experiment, though – you may just come up with a new cactus creation that’s never existed before!
How to graft a cactus in 4 easy steps
Grafting a cactus isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t require any special tools.
All you need is:
- Two cacti
- A clean, sterilized knife
- Rubber bands
- Gloves
1. Choose the right cacti
First, you need to select the two cacti you’d like to graft together. For best results, choose cactus varieties that are closely related. Both the scion and rootstock cactus should also be roughly the same diameter.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose two healthy cactus specimens that don’t have mushy spots, discoloration, or other signs of damage. However, if your cactus has developed root rot and you’d like to save it, you may be able to graft the undamaged section of the cactus onto healthy rootstock.
Tip: Cacti accept grafts better when they’re grafted during the growing season (spring and summer). It’s best to avoid grafting in the winter months when your plants are dormant. But, if you’re trying to salvage a cactus with root rot and you don’t have time to wait, you can try to graft in winter too.
2. Make your cuts
Using a clean, sterilized knife, cut the bottom off your scion cactus – this cactus section will be the top of your graft. When making your cut, try to create as smooth and level a cut as possible.
Next, cut the top off your rootstock cactus. This section of cactus will be the base of your grafted plant, so the rootstock should be well-rooted and healthy. Make a smooth and level cut in the rootstock, at least 2 to 3” above the soil line.
Note: Be sure to wear sturdy gloves when you’re working with your cacti to avoid getting stuck with any sharp spines!
3. Secure your graft
Now that you’ve cut your two cactus sections, you’ll want to work quickly, so your cactuses don’t dry out.
Place your scion cactus on top of your rootstock cactus and position it, so the cut areas are touching as much as possible. Then secure the two cactus sections together with rubber bands. Gently place the rubber bands around the top of your cactus and wrap them around the base of your pot, so everything is nice and snug and won’t move!
Tip: If you don’t have any rubber bands at hand, you can also secure your grafted sections together with tape.
4. Be patient
Once your cacti are secured, move your grafted cactus into an area of your home that receives bright, indirect light. You don’t want to place your new cactus in bright sun, as this may stress your plant or cause it to dry out too quickly. Moon cacti, specifically, should also not be kept in bright light as their lack of chlorophyll makes them sensitive to the sun.
Tend your cactus as you would any normal cactus – that means giving it minimal water and ensuring that it is kept warm. After about 2 weeks, your grafts should heal, and you can carefully remove the rubber bands.
Caring for your grafted cactus
Grafts take about 2 weeks to heal. After this time, your new cactus should be firm and healthy, and you can begin treating your plant just like any other cactus in your collection.
Most grafted cacti, especially those with moon cactus tops, should be kept in bright, indirect light; however, some specimens may grow better in full sun.
As desert-dwelling plants, cacti don’t need a lot of water, and they should only be watered every few weeks, or even less, during the growing season. Depending on your climate and the type of cactus you’re growing, you may not need to water your cactus at all during the winter months. Since the quickest way to kill a cactus is by overwatering, never water a cactus that already has damp soil!
To give your plant a nutrient boost, you can also fertilize your cactus with a diluted, organic fertilizer several times a year. And, if you need to repot your plant, choose soil intended for cacti and succulents, as these soil blends have excellent drainage and can help prevent issues like waterlogged soil and root rot.
Frequently asked questions
You can try to graft any cactus, but cacti that aren’t closely related may not grow successfully. Instead, try out similar cactus types. Closely related cacti are much more likely to graft well.
Grafting cacti is often done for aesthetic purposes, but it has other benefits too. Grafting can boost the growth of slow-growing cacti, or it can be used to propagate plants that don’t produce offsets. Broken or damaged cacti can also be repaired with grafting, and this process allows certain cactus species, like moon cactuses, to survive.
Yes, one of the main reasons gardeners graft cacti is to boost the growth of slow-growing species.
Moon cacti are mutant plants that don’t have any chlorophyll. This fact explains why moon cacti are so colorful; however, without chlorophyll, they can’t survive in nature. Grafting these plants onto rootstock allows them to grow and absorb nutrients from the rootstock.
Most commonly, mushy, dark, or rotted spots on cacti are due to overwatering. If this occurs, you may be able to salvage your plant with an additional graft, or it may be time to compost your cactus and start over with a new one.
Yes. If your cactus takes a tumble and a section of it breaks off, you may be able to graft the broken sections back together again. Just make a new, fresh, and flat cut on the pieces you’d like to join and secure them together with rubber bands.
Summary
Grafting a cactus can be used to repair damaged plants, create new oddball specimens, or encourage slow-growing species to grow and propagate. While this technique may sound tricky, it’s easy enough that even beginner plant parents can master it. All you need are the right cactus species and a bit of time, and you can create all newly grafted cactuses to perfectly suit your style and expand your plant collection!
If you’d like to learn more about propagating cacti, we have a full guide on Christmas cactuses right here.
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