Cactus grafting is a procedure where a cut piece of one species is grown onto a wounded piece of another.

This method of propagation is relatively straightforward in fact, even a beginner would not find it too difficult, with the sense of accomplishment gained from this aspect of cacti cultivation proving most rewarding.

Cacti are grafted for many reasons.

Sometimes a grafted plant will grow at a faster rate than if it was on its own roots, it can be to save a special plant that has almost rotted away at the base or even just to have fun creating new forms.

The grafted part of the plant is the scion and the base or rooted part is the rootstock.

Best results are achieved when the scion and rootstock are of the same species.

The most important thing to remember is to always use sterile tools when making cuts.

You will need two very sharp knives - one must have a razor sharp edge and the other is used for the first cut and for trimming the edges of the cut surfaces; a supply of rubber bands to hold the cut surfaces together after the graft has been completed; a pair of scissors to trim away spines that may make handling of the plants difficult and a pair of tongs to hold the rootstock steady while making the first cut ... and to save fingers from being cut.

The flat graft is used extensively on the globular plants and if performed carefully, is not difficult.

With a sharp knife cut the rootstock squarely across at right angles to its line of growth with one clean cut of the knife.

The base of the plant to be grafted, the scion, is treated in the same way.

If using a damaged plant care must be taken to cut back to clean tissues.

The freshly cut edges of the rootstock and scion are then levelled around the edges at an angle of about 45 degrees.

The two surfaces are now temporarily placed together to make sure that the flat surfaces fit neatly and squarely together.

The final cut on both surfaces is now made by cutting a thin slice of the prepared rootstock and leaving it in position to keep the juicy surface from drying out while a similar cut is made on the scion.

Remove the thin slice from the rootstock and with a gentle motion slide the scion into position.

Then give the scion a gentle twisting motion to ensure that no air is trapped between the two surfaces as this can lead to fungal infections.

Next, place rubber bands under the rootstock and up and over the scion to hold the two surfaces firmly together without damaging them.

After a few weeks you should see if the graft has taken; if so, the rubber bands can be carefully removed.

The grafted cacti is cared for and maintained the same as an ungrafted one.

It is a good idea to plan the entire grafting process beforehand so that no time is lost between cuts and the actual grafting.

Do this and the operation should go well.

August 7: North West Lilium Society meeting, Penguin Baptist Centre, 130 Ironcliffe Road, Penguin, 1pm.

August 17: Australian Plants Society Tasmania meeting, Max Fry Hall, Gorge Road, Trevallyn, 7.30pm.

August 18: Launceston Horticultural Society meeting, Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, 7.30pm. Heather Pryor will speak on 'Various Gardens of the World.'

Daily: Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Burnie open 9am to 4pm. The world-acclaimed 11ha woodland garden features 24,000 rhododendrons. Tea room open between 9.30am to 4pm.

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