Multiple stock grafting using Pereskiopsis.. An experiment.

[Peyofox]

This graft was done as an experiment back in 2011, to see if multiple cacti rootstocks could be used to support a single scion, and observe any effect it would have on growth rate.

In this example, 4 Pereskiopsis plants were used as rootstocks, to support 1 Lophophora off-set.

 

 

Each Pereskiopsis was approx 30cm in height to begin with.

They were positioned around the 4 sides of an empty pot, and held securely in place with vinyl (electrical) tape.

 

 

The leaves were removed from the top of each Pereskiopsis.

 

 

The stems were held together using non-adhesive teflon tape.

 

 

A healthy Loph off-set was selected and removed.

 

 

The Peres stems were cut. The edges were evenly bevelled.

 

To maximize surface contact area with all 4 stems, a small piece of flesh was removed from the Loph.

 

 

The Loph was held firmly in position using the same vinyl tape.

 

 

It was left to heal, undisturbed and out of direct light for 1 week.

 

 

The hold-down tape was then removed, and the plant(s) were reintroduced into normal growing conditions.

 

 

The tape holding the stems together was left in place for an additional week, allowing time for them to adjust, and grow into their new shape, without pulling away from the scion.

 

 

After close inspection, each of the 4 stocks appear to have made a successful union.

 

 

The graft sat dormant throughout the first week, as it continued to heal and recover from the initial shock.

 

 

During the following weeks, growth literally exploded.

 

 

 

Pics were taken over an approx 2 month period, during which time the Loph had been in almost constant flower.

In the last pic there were approx 14 off-sets with more visibly forming.

Edited November 3, 2017 by Peyofox

[Peyofox]

At the time, this was done purely for fun.

In hindsight, similar or potentially better yields could have been acheived using 4 seperate stocks and scions.

However, this Loph was degrafted/regrafted early, so it's full potential was never really known.

I tried a six stock graft, which produced alot of pups, but split pretty early on.

As fun as it was, I don't think I'll be going down this path again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DualWieldRake]

That is an awesome graft mate, i've been wanting to do this.

It may be the best way to go if you are in need of a big lopho real fast.

 

 

 

[Inyan]

Nice work @Peyofox. I have a similar mindset as I'm always trying to dream up new ways to push or kill my plants. What doesn't kill them either makes them stronger or teaches me a lesson so its all good in the end. Thanks for sharing your exploits.  

[cactusjames]

Wow...if I had more experience with impale grafting I would definitely give this a try. Awesome work Peyofox!

 

Would you say that using the 4 pereskiopsis together like that increases the growth/pupping rate as compared to just using one? And if so, how much faster do you think it is?

[Peyofox]

DualWieldRake, Inyan & cactusjames, thanks for the comments.

 

cactusjames, from my observations it certainly did increase growth/pupping in the short term.

How much faster? It's hard to say.

The biggest problem that I came accross when doing these multistock grafts, was having the scion split open.

This didn't kill the plant, but it did increase the risk of disease/infection setting it and ruined the appearance of the Loph.

The upside of the plants that split, was they generally produced alot of pups, on plants that usually wouldn't pup very much.

[Caster]

This is the coolest grafting thingo i've ever seen! haha

[Peyofox]

17 hours ago, Caster said:

This is the coolest grafting thingo i've ever seen! haha

 

Cheers mate.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[nrivers]

Very cool, a tricho scion would have more chance of handling the growth without splitting

[Peyofox]

19 hours ago, nrivers said:

Very cool, a tricho scion would have more chance of handling the growth without splitting

Cheers.

I've grafted countless trichs on Peres and they grow fast enough on a single stock, although you're probably right, in that they would be less likey to split.

I choose a Loph because, well, they are way cooler plants to grow.

 

[DualWieldRake]

Where do they split top or bottom?

[Peyofox]

12 hours ago, DualWieldRake said:

Where do they split top or bottom?

 

They mainly split from the top.

It could have been that they were simply impaled a little too deep when grafted.

It wasn't major and they still kept growing.

The main button just stalled, but produced a heap of off-sets.

Edited September 28, 2018 by Peyofox

[Inyan]

4 hours ago, Peyofox said:

 

They mainly split from the top.

It could have been that they were simply impaled a little too deep when grafted.

It wasn't major and they still kept growing.

The main button just stalled, but produced a heap of off-sets.

Given the heap of offsets...

You should try this again, but with a nice caespitosa. That might look  truly freaky.

[Peyofox]

13 hours ago, Inyan said:

Given the heap of offsets...

You should try this again, but with a nice caespitosa. That might look  truly freaky.

 

I like your thinking.

Yeah, a caespitosa would go absolutely nuts!

I have plenty to experiment with too.

Maybe one day.