Degrafting-2

[stefan m.]

Not to resurrect an old topic, but im interested in degrafting a gymnocalcium mihanovichii forma rubra.
I want to hear how should i do it, and if anyone was successful in doing it.

[ElieEstephane]

The question is why? It will not live on its own

[stefan m.]

Not hibotan. Rubra.
One is red the other is purple. I want to de graft a purple one.

[ElieEstephane]

Here's one approach:
http://cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 4&start=15

[stefan m.]

Thats the topic that got me wondering. Though all grafts on that topic are cacteae members.
If the exact rules applied for "southies" i wouldnt have had difficulty growing them in the first place

[DaveW]

Really depends how much chlorophyll producing tissue it contains Stefan. Those coloured cacti vary from none to a limited amount. Therefore whether they will produce roots, or exist on their own roots would be a case of trial and error, but you would risk loosing the plant by degrafting.

In a sense variegated plants are the same, the yellowish or whitish flesh not producing chlorophyll, therefore it depends on the ratio of chlorophyll producing tissue to non producing how well they would thrive and grow on their own roots, assuming they would root easily.

When you say purple one, I assume this is the one you mean.

http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/GYMNOC ... ibotan.htm

With such mutants many of these would quickly die in the wild, even at a week or two old in the seedling stage. Only instant grafting has saved them.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thepindart/gymnocalycium/

[stefan m.]

So, even if i try, no way i am going to succeed degrafting or growing from seed from its own roots?
Well, thats a bummer.

[majcka]

So, even if i try, no way i am going to succeed degrafting or growing from seed from its own roots?
Well, thats a bummer.

исто така, слепа кокошка го наоѓа житото.

You can even make it.

[stefan m.]

I so borina da go baram nema da go najdam

[majcka]

Stefan...is there a special reason for degrafting??? Or you just don't like them grafted? I know I dont. But I still have some grafted. I'm just curious.

[stefan m.]

The sole reason would be that " the original" hylocereus root stocks have horrible roots, offshoot easily, and dont last( though i did start a hylocereus plant from them). To combine that with my inability to graft properly,difficulty raising south american plants, lack of available rootstock, and expense of the grafted plants, and you have vallid reason to try and grow them from their own roots.

[majcka]

I understan the part "grow on the own roots" perfectly. I don't like grafted plants particulary, but time to time trying to graft something just out of curiosity. No success yet.

[stefan m.]

It comes down to skill. Will try to order from uhlig, but a lot of their stuff are out of stock.

[DaveW]

If you have a difficulty growing S. American cacti it could be your soil or water is too alkaline. Many N. American cacti will stand alkalinity, but most S. American ones prefer a soil that's neutral or slightly acid. When watering it's always best to use rainwater if you can.

A cheap way to find out is to get some PH test papers from your local chemist or EBAY, or maybe a soil test kit. But mix the soil with some distilled water (for instance defrosting water from fridge) since if it's your water that's alkaline that will upset the reading. Also use the papers to test the water you normally water them with.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... r&_sacat=0

If alkalinity is the problem see:-

http://ralph.cs.cf.ac.uk/Cacti/Cactus%2 ... linity.pdf

[stefan m.]

"water is too alkaline. " yes it is. But the rainwater is also contaminated( we managed to surpass new delhi in PM 10 concentrations).
So, basically, ive got to acidify my water. Will alcoholic vinegar do the trick? Suppose ill have to mix it in the range of 5,6 to 6....