I am not sure if I am posted under the correct topic.
I want to let everyone know it is possible to "graft" cacti that have a horizontal crack or split in its stem.
I have had a top heavy cactus fall off my greenhouse bench and crack the stem in half. The fall split the stem half way through the diameter of the stem. I was able to get the split to graft itself back together and heal the wound. I did not apply anything to the inside or rinse the wound. I used a firm piece of wood or stake to stretch over both sides of the split. I then put wedges between the cactus and the wood to create a slight bend or pressure towards the crack to allow the crack to close together. I do not recall if I placed a piece of plastic around the wound to keep it moist while healing itself.
This catastrophy not only happened once, but twice to two different cacti. I was successful regrating both cactus back together. I think this will be useful information for Antony who can use it.
I have photos to load as soon as I can make it work
Dropped cactus and split stem
Re: Dropped cactus and split stem
Photos of the healed graft.
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- jerrytheplater
- Posts: 1179
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:38 pm
- Location: Bloomingdale, NJ (USDA Zone 6b)
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Re: Dropped cactus and split stem
Pretty cool. How long ago did this happen?
Jerry Smith
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
Re: Dropped cactus and split stem
I believe I dropped it two years ago
- Steve Johnson
- Posts: 4557
- Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:44 am
- Location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
Re: Dropped cactus and split stem
Yes indeed -- great job, Carpkel!
If you just want photos without all the blather, please visit my Flickr gallery.
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
Re: Dropped cactus and split stem
Good job!
Well, otherwise you would have now two specimens of that cactus eventually...
Also practiced some grafting. Grafting fans have a saying: "Even having two identical cacti you do cut their heads and exchange those..."
Well, otherwise you would have now two specimens of that cactus eventually...
Also practiced some grafting. Grafting fans have a saying: "Even having two identical cacti you do cut their heads and exchange those..."
If your cacti mess in your job just forget about the job.
°C = (°F - 32)/1.8
°C = (°F - 32)/1.8