This section will be discussing information about multiple methods of propagation. Propagation is easy and inexpensive. It is the only way to obtain new plants from endangered species. Propagation is the method of making multiple hybrids from one plant. There are five ways to perform propagation which include grafting, division, taking cuttings, raising from seed, and cross-pollination.
Grafting
Grafting is the process of cutting from one species with the rootstalk, stock or base of a more vigorous one. When you graft you have a choice to perform a split, flat or side graft.
Split Grafting:
This is suitable for cacti with slim, leaflike stems, such as Schlumbergera and other epiphytes, and some slender-stemmed succulents. It is also an ideal way to create a standard plant – one with a treelike appearance.
Flat Grafting:
Extremely similar to the split graft but even easier. Flat grafting can be used to propagate most types of cacti, including brightly colored neon cacti, and mutant cristate.
Side Grafting:
This is ideal for grafting very slender stemmed plants, such as Echinopsis chamaecerus, which often have a very small central core.
Want to learn more about grafting? Check it out, here.
Division
Division is used for clumping root stalks (Sedum and Caudiciform succulents). To perform division, cut the rootstalk or tuber in two pieces. Only perform division while the plant is in a dormant state. When finished, pot up each section and grow in conditions that are ideal for the plant.
First, dig up the parent plant and remove it from its container. Utilizing a strong, sharp knife, cut the rootstalk into two sections, each with at least one healthy growing point and some vigorous roots. Then excise any part of the stock that is old, woody, and/or damaged. Then dust the cut surfaces with fungicide and allow to callus. Replant each section in a pot of cactus mix, and water within a few days.
