How to improve the survival rate of Christmas cactus grafting

Grafting time should be timely

If you want to increase the survival rate of Christmas cactus grafting, you must pay attention to the time of grafting. The grafting should be done when both the scion and the rootstock are growing vigorously and when there is sufficient liquid in their bodies.

The grafting temperature should be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius to ensure the growth survival rate.

In addition, in northern regions, the grafting survival rate is highest from spring to early summer.

Choose the right rootstock

For grafting Christmas cactus, usually choose Opuntia or Opuntia scabra as the rootstock for grafting and propagation. The most common method is to use Opuntia scabra as the rootstock to graft Christmas cactus, so that the survival rate will be higher.

The position of grafting should be reasonable

When grafting with Oleander, it needs to be planted in a 20 cm high flowerpot, and then the Christmas cactus branch cuttings should be cut horizontally 30 cm above the pot surface. When grafting, use a knife to cut 1 cut at each of the three corners of the Oleander in a downward direction. The incision should reach the pith, and then remove about 2 to 3 stem segments from the top of the Christmas cactus plant.

Then use a knife to scrape off the main vein that bulges upward at the lower end and the outer bark on both sides. The cut should be smooth, and then insert the rootstock cut directly into the wood.

Post-transmission management

After grafting Christmas cactus, you can use a transparent plastic bag to cover the scion, but be careful not to tie the lower end of the plastic bag too tightly. Then place it in a well-ventilated and well-lit place for maintenance.

Just keep the soil in the pot moist and do not water frequently.