Cactus |
Grafting is the only way to propigate albinos, such as the "moon cactus"
sold everywhere. But who says they have to be on top of a little
short Hylocereus? Graft several on a nicely branched columnar cactus,
and get a spectacular specimen |
Totem Pole |
If you're patient, you can create a spectacular totem pole of varius
cactus. Use a stock for the first graft that's BIG, and resists rot
well. I start them with Neobuxbaumia (a Baja Calif. cereus), Echinopsis
(Easter-lily cactus) or Cereus peruvianus (the apple cactus). Then
add a clustering barrel cactus. leave it for at least 6 months, then
cut the top off the barrel, and add another columnar cactus. another
4 months or so, add a clustering Mammillaria, or clustering Notocactus.
6 months later, another columnar cactus ( Philocereus azureus adds a nice
colum of blue) . Then maybe a crest. The albino peanut
used in this background is a light, but spectacular topper. (Chamaecereus) |
Lift for blooms |
Easter, Christmas, and the "orchid" cactus have beautiful blooms, but
often potted, the blooms hang below the pot. graft them on a tall
columnar cactus, and you'll have a flowering tree ! The Zygocactus
segments look like leaves, and when the tree blooms, it's a sight to behold
! ( They often grow better and faster grafted too) |