Grafted Cactus Guide: 4 Tips for Caring for Grafted Cacti

A grafted cactus is simply one cactus plant formed from two different species of cacti being fused together. Grafting makes it possible for two species of cactus to thrive by combining the top cactus (also called the scion) with green cacti bottoms (referred to as the rootstock). The rootstock shares its chlorophyll with the scion, allowing the often colorful scion to perform photosynthesis and survive.

There are a few different rootstocks that are most commonly used for propagation. When considering a new rootstock for a grafted cacti, look at the following options.

1. 1. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus): These green cacti make great rootstocks for your grafted succulents because they are more resilient in extreme weather conditions like drought. The fruit that these cacti produce is most commonly referred to as the dragonfruit, or pitaya (alt. pitahaya).
2. 2. Peruvian torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana): The Peruvian torch cactus is a blue-green plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall, with plenty of surface area for the mutant cactus to attach itself to. It sprouts large white flowers in addition to the scion.
3. 3. Blue myrtle cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans): This Mexican cactus sprouts small blue and dark purple oblong fruits resembling whortleberries or bilberries, giving it its alternate names (whortleberry or bilberry cactus). Much like the Eurasian berries they resemble, these fruits are also edible.
4. 4. Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus repandus): The thorny stems of the Peruvian apple cactus can reach over 30 feet in height. This cactus produces edible fruit which is sometimes used in South American cuisine.
5. 5. Golden torch (Echinopsis spachiana): This type of cactus grows between five and seven feet tall, with its branches originating from the base of the plant. Similar to other cacti species, this plant sprouts fragrant, nocturnal blooms.

Grafting cacti is a great way to add some color to your houseplants or home garden. While cacti are relatively low-maintenance plants, there are a few steps you can take to help your plant to thrive:

1. 1. Provide partial sunlight. Most grafted cacti do best in indirect light. Try an east or west-facing windowsill to provide just enough sun for your plants, without burning them with direct sunlight.
2. 2. Avoid overwatering. Cacti are desert plants and do not require as much water as many other plants. You should only water your grafted cactus once the soil is dry. You can also mist the tops of your grafted cactus occasionally to keep the scions colorful. Keep in mind that different times of the year may require different amounts of water—more in the summer, less in the winter.
3. 3. Measure the pH of the soil. Depending on your rootstock, you can find out the proper soil pH for your plant. Many cacti prefer an acidic-to-neutral soil that is properly aerated.
4. 4. Try a cactus fertilizer. Introducing the right cactus fertilizer during the growing season can help encourage healthy growth in your grafted plant.

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