How to graft Christmas cactus

1. Grafting time

You can choose the period from late spring to early summer, or the period from late summer to early fall. However, practice has shown that the effect is better in late spring and early summer, and the survival rate is higher.

2. Grafting steps

(1) The first is the rootstock, usually cactus. Choose vigorous branches that are free of disease and insect pests, about eight to twelve centimeters in length. After taking it off, cut its lower part into a flat edge. Then plant it in sandy soil. After about two to three months, if it survives, it can be used as a rootstock.

(2) Select a healthy Christmas cactus as the mother plant. Choose a tenderer branch with nodes from above as the scion, preferably three or four centimeters long. Use a sterilized blade to cut the lower end into a wedge shape.

(3) Insert a groove with a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm from the center of the top of the rootstock as an interface, and then insert the processed Christmas cactus scion into it. Try to be as fast as possible.

3. Maintenance afterwards

(1) Shade: Immediately after grafting, the plant loses water very easily, causing it to wilt. Therefore, be sure to place it in a shaded place to prevent the moisture from evaporating too quickly.

(2) Water and fertilizer: Water in moderation and just keep the soil slightly moist. Fertilizer is applied about a month later, when the plants are already established and need nutrients to grow.

(3) Pest and disease control: Pests and diseases are likely to occur after grafting and should be controlled in a timely manner.