My last post in this community about grafting succulents made me realize that many of my gardening friends see grafting like it is some kind of rocket science. In this post I plan to show you how I graft moon cactus. Moon cactus is expensive, at least here in India. If you have one tiny pup of the moon cactus or scion you can grow a new grafted plant all on your own. If your friends have moon cacti try to get a small pup from them and you are good to go.
The root-stock of course is our dragon fruit cactus (Hylocereus undatus) If you have one full segment you can make two new plants with them. The Hylocereus undatus will grow anywhere in any position, it usually grows roots on the sides. However, ensure that you place the tip down, doesn't matter if it is the top or bottom portion, it will still root. This is purely for aesthetic reasons.
Three scions grafted on to a single root stock
I prefer to use root-stocks which have already been rooted and established so there is less stress on the root-stock when you graft the scion on to it. This is my preference. You could even graft on a cutting and then root it. Here we go.
###The six simple steps to grafting your moon cactus
Step One
Get the materials you need for the graft ready. Use a clean surface to do the grafting process, clean with sanitizer or surgical spirit.
Material needed
- Root-stock
- Scion in the color you like
- Blade (A clean preferably new, sharp blade. If not clean your blade with some surgical spirit before making the cuts.
- Long spikes of any cactus, preferably slender ones
- A zip lock bag or any clean polythene bag
This is it and you are good to go. Simple right?
Step Two
Make a clean cut at the tip of your root stock. Ensure that the cut is even. If you are using a mature root-stock it could be hard to cut through, so preferably use root-stock which is neither too mature or too young.
Make angular cuts on the sides, sliding the blade from 1.5 cm the central point towards the side for about half and inch to an inch from top downwards and outwards. This cut should ideally ensure that the top three nodes are cut. See image for clarity.
Step Three
Cut the bottom of the moon cactus just to ensure that the scion sits evenly on the root-stock. Ensure a clean and level cut. Take care to keep the cut surface clean at all times.
Step Four
Place the scion on the root-stock ensuring that the scion sits well in the center. Very gently rub the scion over the cut portion of the root-stock to mingle the juices and fix the scion strongly in place. Place your thumb over the scion and press it gently in place. If need be use gloves, I don't since I am used to this.
Step Five
Choose the sturdiest and longest of the spikes you have collected. Have at least four in hand.
Pin the scion to the root stock with these spikes at an angle and secure them tightly together. Your graft is done. Congratulations!
Step Six
The graft needs to covered with a polythene bag to prevent loss of moisture. The bag will prevent the scion from drying and shrinking. When the scion starts to shrink a gap develops between the scion and the root stock preventing the graft from uniting and developing. Use the fourth spike to secure the ends of the bag lightly or use a rubber band without disturbing the graft.
Don't remove the bag for a week to ten days. If your scion remains fresh until then your graft is successful if not start all over again. It sometimes takes a bit of practice.
Care of the newly grafted plant
Proactive steps
Cutting
Remember that I mentioned that you cut down the sides of the root stock for about an inch, this cut ensures that there is no new growth from the root stock which could prevent the graft from developing or even stop the growth of the scion later.
Secondly this cut also ensures that water does not collect on top of the graft which is the main cause of grafts developing rots. These steps are proactive care for grafted plants.
Using Spikes of other cacti
Use the spikes of other cacti to secure the graft makes the entire process seem very natural. In nature being pierced by other spikes could happen naturally without causing the other plant any harm. Besides, using spikes is better than using a plastic grafting tape to secure the graft.
Choice of spikes
Using a slender spike as thin as a fine sewing needle ensures that the scion is fixed on to the root stock well. It doesn't even have to be removed you could just cut the projected portion as the graft takes on.
Light
Leave in a warm, dry place with dappled light for the first fortnight. Then you could keep the plant in indirect light or where it gets morning sunshine.
Watering
Watering should always be done after a period of ten days to a fortnight for the first time after grafting has been done.
Watering the plant after that should always be done when the soil dries out for about an inch on the top.
Keep the grafted plant in a saucer and pour water in the saucer. Empty out the saucer until it is time for the next watering schedule. Never water a grafted cactus from top.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant lightly once in a couple of months with water soluble fertilizer.
Growth is generally slow, so don't try to speed up the process.
If your Moon cactus is trying to send out pups before it reaches one inch in diameter remove the pups gently and let the main scion grow.
Discourage any growth from the root stock. Cut and remove it right away.
Keep away from rain.
If you take good care of your grafts they should bloom in about a year or two.
Remember that this is a cactus, so don't over water.
Hope this was helpful. Give grafting a try.
Thanks for getting this far, I appreciate your time and support. Have a great day!