Dwarfing Rootstock?

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KonureKing
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Joined: Thu May 21, 2020 5:13 pm
Location: fl

Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by KonureKing »

Does anyone use a rootstock to specifically dwarf larger species of cacti? I know we usually graft to increase growth, but it would be interesting to know if some of the really large species could be kept pint-size by doing this.
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Carbo
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Location: Serbia, Belgrade

Re: Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by Carbo »

Wow that's something I've never thought of doing. I imagine some stock that's tiny and doesn't grow large would do the trick, but you also want it to be resistant and hardy for a long-lasting plant. But there's another way and that's basically doing what bonsai ppl do to trees, keep it in a small pot and it will stay small. You'll have to prune roots or it will get root-bound. My opuntias that are in small pots grow pads that are like 1/5th the size of the ones that grow in big pots.
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greenknight
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Re: Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by greenknight »

I've never heard of anyone doing that, but it seems possible. Maybe a small species of Opuntia, like fragilis?
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DaveW
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Re: Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by DaveW »

You could always graft it on a Blossfeldia! Sorry not being serious, however I can't see you would really gain anything trying to dwarf Cerei. Better to take new cuttings by topping periodically when they outgrow your conditions and re-propagate them?
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One Windowsill
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Location: Manchester

Re: Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by One Windowsill »

Any Western film fan would want a bonsaiguaro, though, wouldn't they?
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anttisepp
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Location: Suomi - Finland

Re: Dwarfing Rootstock?

Post by anttisepp »

Grafting is for weak sensible roots.
If root good, there's bonsaing - small pot, poor soil, less water.
As a stock Eriocereus jusbertii cas survive in worst conditions.
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