Care for a grafted cactus

iann · Post by **iann** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:02 pm

I have been given a large Hibotan type Gymnocalycium on a Hylocereus stock. This is my first grafted plant (even Mammillaria luethyi, Cintia knizei, and Pediocactus simpsonii are on their own roots!) and obviously I want to give it the best treatment. I realise that both the stock and graft do not like the cold so they will be inside for the winter.

The stock has relatively few roots. Is this normal or just from the transplant? Does it need more water than my other plants (everything really, but Copiapoas, Lithops, Mammillarias, Turbinicarpus, you get the idea)? The graft has just started producing bright red offsets from nearly every areole and has a single bud which will probably abort.

Bill in SC · Post by **Bill in SC** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 5:34 pm

During the growing season, I noticed mine liked more water than most stuff.. Over winter, it got the same no water treatment as the rest of my cactus...
BB in SC

Franj · Post by **Franj** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 6:47 pm

Hi Iann,

In winter I just keep an eye on the graft stock. If I see noticeable shrivelling I'll give it a little water from below. Hylocereus is a jungle cactus so it can take/likes more water. I also have some stuff grafted on Stenocereus. Those get little water in winter.

Franj