Cactus grafts are novelties formed by grafting scions with interesting shapes or colors on to an easy to root cactus rootstcock. Most of the colored scions do not produce chlorophyll and must be grafted to persist. These grafted cactus are most commonly done in Asia and imported into the USA.

Photo showing flats filled with a variety of cactus grafts.

Close up photo of a cactus graft.

The stem anatomy in cactus is different from most other dicots, so the scion and the rootstock must be aligned a little differently from other grafts. The central core of the scion and rootstock must be lined up to allow the vascular system to become connected.

Photo of a cactus rootstock cut to prepare it for grafting.

Illustration showing how the rootstock and scion must have their centers lined up, rather than the outer edges, to form a graft.

Rootstocks are removed from stock plants, placed in a rooting substrate and cut to receive the scion.

Photo of a flat of rootstocks that have been removed from stock plants.

Photo of rootstocks which have had their tops cut, and have been placed in flats of rooting substrate.

The scion is held in place with ties, pins, glue, or specialized weighted clips.

Close up photo of a cactus graft with the scion held in place with strings tying it to the rootstock.

Photo of an entire bed of cactus grafts with the scions tied in place.

Shade provides temperature control until plants have successfully grafted and rooted.

Photo of cactus grafts under shade cover cloths inside a greehouse environment.

Photo of cactus grafts under shade cover cloths inside a greehouse environment.