Homesfornh.com – Cactus is a succulent plant that can live in hard conditions. Many species of cactus you can find in various regions. Moon cactus is one of the stunning cactus species to grow as an indoor ornamental plant. This plant has a colorful head that is easy to notice. If you are a cactus lover, you need to know that the head of your moon cactus can merge with another plant in the grafting technique. The cactus propagation protects your cactus from its dying stock. Sometimes you see the rotten part or drying stock, then it needs to propagate. Get no know more about moon cactus propagation and follow the simple steps below!
We know that propagation is important to do if your cactus has a death part. You can save their life in the first place. However, your cactus will be healthier. Several benefits that you can get from propagating the moon cactus such as:
- Makes your cactus has an aesthetic perspective
- Stimulates the growth of vegetative
- Helps cactus to grow well
- Strengthens the vulnerable cactus roots system
Grafting is a beneficial method to grow an interesting plant by combining two parts of plants. You will get the aesthetic and unique appearance of the moon cactus. Let’s learn how to graft the moon cactus properly. But before that, you need to prepare a variety of gardening tools as follows!
- Some pieces of paper towels
- Alcohol in a bottle sprayer
- A clean sharp knife
- 10 rubber bands
- Mother plant/stock/rootstock (it can be cactus or dragon fruit plant)
- The moon cactus with some heads (scion)
Some people graft the moon cactus when it has more than one scion, then you can do the same for your cactus. Let’s start with the first step!
Straight Cut on The Mother Plant
The first qualification for this mother plant should be a healthy plant that is actively growing. It is the key to get a successful grafting because the roots system will provide enough nutrients for the cutting scion. Always clean the knife by spraying alcohol on it first and wipe it after. Pick the mother plant like a dragon fruit plant, then cut the cactus stem carefully. Cut it for at least 2”-3” inches from the side to side.
Slice The Edges of The Cutting Mother Plant
Take a look at the centerpiece of your mother plant. It has a little green ring in a brighter green color. Gently spray the knife and wipe it again. Slice the edges of your mother plant to sterile the area where you will put the scion. Cut it in a little slice and remove all cutting parts. Be careful when you hold this mother plant while cutting the edges. You can spray the knife every time it gets too wet or sticky.
Slice the Lower Part of the Moon Cactus
Pick the moon cactus that has a proper diameter with the cutting mother plant. Cut the moon cactus with a pruning shear or a sterile knife. See on the bottom side, then slice it gently in a very thin layer. You need to cut it before taking it into the mother because fresh cutting is easier to cultivate.
Part It on The Centerpiece of A Mother Plant
In the next part, you will merge the plants, then spray the knife and wipe it again. Do a straight cut on the cutting mother plant, take a thin layer. It is important to renew the fresh cutting stem before you add the moon cactus scion. Put the scion on this cutting mother plant, place it in the right position. Ensure that two rings from both plants engage properly. It helps them to tight firmly during their cultivation time.
Give a Gentle Push by Using Rubber Bands
Both cutting plants need a gentle push during their cultivation. Use at least four rings to push it gently and firmly. If it has a little moving, you need to add more rings. Hold the scion and its mother plant when you tie the rings on them. Put this cactus in bright indirect light. The scion will stick and grow properly after 10-20 days. You can remove rubber bands when the cactus grows well.
Care for The Grafting Moon Cactus
Check the grafting cactus every day to see their growth. You need to treat it like a baby. Good maintenance from the soil nutrients, watering routine, and sunlight are important for their cultivation. The common problem in grafting cactus is the new scions will grow in their shoots. The moon cactus scion also grows some small scions beneath the cutting part. Cut all new growing scions from this plant because they will absorb nutrients too much.
Thus our discussion of Easy Ways and Simple Tips to Graft The Moon Cactus. Cactus is an exotic plant that can grow indoors and outdoors. This plant has many varieties with its attractive appearance. Growing cactus as an ornamental plant gives you several problems like browning leaves, rotting stems, and drying stems. To save their life, you need to cut the sick part or even slice it and grafting it with another healthy plant. Graft your cactus to make it aesthetic and develop the varieties. Hopefully, your cactus will grow healthy and happy. Good luck!
