Grafting Cacti to isolate variegation Part 2 -The Wedge Graft

Posted on by BBCG

The initial Wedge Graft method was used in Grafting Cacti to isolate variegation Part 1.

In that instance it wasn’t entirely a success, because the contact between the scion and rootstock wasn’t ideal and it was difficult to cut the scion to include a piece of the vascular ring.

Therefore the Wedge Graft method had to be modified a little to achieve that goal.

But first, the reason for using the Wedge Graft is to isolate a row of areoles alone a rib which are variegated. Either several areoles or just one areole and include a section of vascular ring which, in theory, will achieve a stronger growth rate to the scion and hence larger pups in a quicker amount of time.

It’s just a theory, so the only way to really prove it is to put it to the test.

Therefore here’s what I came up with. But first here are the cacti to be used.

Firstly the scion, in the forground, is the same KK339 clone. In fact it’s the etolated tip from the original cutting I purchased. When the original cutting grew roots, the tip grew etolated so it got cut off and re-rooted (shown above). Then it grew even more etolated. In the background is the rootstock with the 2 grafts featured in the previous post. These scions were taken from the variegated pup, which grew from the original cutting, after it was planted in the ground. Therefore, we’ll be comparing apples with apples, so to speak!

So first up, the 3 larger tips on the rootstock above are to be used as the 3 individual rootstocks for the 3 grafts.

Therefore, first step is to prepare all 3 rootstocks as you usually do. That way you can gauge the width of scion when you cut it.

Next cut a section of scion as shown below. It just needs to be a little narrower that width of the rootstock but it will ultimately be determined by how many areoles you want to include along the rib on your scion.

11/12/2023 Then cut a section of the scion so there is only one row of ribs (ie your variegated areole/s). In this case I included 2 areoles. But if you only have 1 areole which is variegated, just isolate that one.
11/12/2023 Then cut a nice parallel v into your rootstock. Try and make the angle slightly less than the angle of the scion. I found it easier to trim the scion slightly to achieve this. As shown in the image above. The reason for doing this is so the rubber bands pull the scion into the v of the rootstock, compressing the scion slightly and spreading the rootstock to make really good contact and hopefully account for any irregularities in your cuts.
Here is how it looks all tied together. I used 3 lots of rubber bands in total and applied as much pressure as possible, without getting ridiculous. The goal is to pull the scion into the rootstock so it compresses slightly. I pushed it in lightly with my finger to ensure good contact, then let the rubber bands do the rest.

Next up, what to do with the remaining piece of scion material. There were 2 options.

Firstly, the 270 degree piece of scion could have been used in a reverse wedge graft and the rootstock sharpened into a v to have the scion fitted over it. I must admit, I did consider it but then thought there was no real advantage going to the trouble. However if you feel inspired, maybe give it a go!

In the end I took the other option and cut it into another wedge and the remaining piece became a typical slab graft, hence the need for 3 rootstocks.

23/12/2023 The graft after the rubber bands were removed. I’ve trimmed the edges of the rootstock flush with the ends of the scion, so water doesn’t gather in the “v” shaped cut out.
9/3/2024 The 3 grafts plus the variegated pup. The graft in the middle is the slab graft, while either side are the 2 wedge grafts. The one on the left pupped first but it was eaten by something nearly straight away. It then pupped from the other areole, as you can see.

So in summary, the original inspiration behind the wedge graft method was my experience with areole grafts. They tend to grow thinner, slower growing pups. Therefore by including some vascular ring on the scion hopefully the pups will grow faster and larger.

In the photo above, the scion on the graft on the left (this first graft) didn’t include any vascular ring. It is growing well and at a reasonable rate. However it will be interesting to see, over time, if the other grafts grow stronger and catch up.

I will update in the future!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error: Content protected !!