3/6/2017 2 Comments Grafted Cactus / "Moon Cactus" (Bottom: Hylocereus (Dragon fruit) Top: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)Grafted cactus or more commonly known as 'Moon Cactus' are actually, as the name suggests, two separate cactus species grafted together. The top part of the cactus is a mutated form of a Gymnocalycium mihanovichii or chin cactus. The chin cactus is mutated so that it no longer caries chlorophyll that would make the cactus appear green. In turn, the other pigments inside the cactus become more pronounced which gives it their vibrant red, yellow, and orange color. Since chlorophyll is needed for photosynthesis, the mutated chin cactus cannot produce food on its own. In order to keep the chin cactus alive, it is grafted onto another cactus that can produce chlorophyll, In most cases, moon cactus are graft don top of a hylocereus, or dragon fruit. The base cactus (Dragon fruit) creates all the food and transports all the water and nutrients to the moon cactus. That is why you rarely see the dragon fruit grow as all its energy is being put into growing and maintaining the moon cactus.
Another type of cactus commonly found grafted on top of hylocereus is the Coral cactus or Euphorbia lactea. CareGrafted cactus rarely exceed a year or two in life expectancy as the two cacti used require very different needs. The dragon fruit is an epiphyte (they naturally grow on trees not in the soil) that lives in the jungle, while the dwarf chin cactus is a ground dwelling desert cacti. However, with proper care they have been known to live indoors longer and even flower. Care must be taken to not over water. LightLike all Cacti, grafted cactus require as much light as you can possibly give them indoors, though they may require some shading or protection from the hottest part of the day. Indoors, this area can be acheived by a South or West facing window. SoilAll plants require a fast draining mix that does not hold excess amounts of moisture for too long. Being a cactus, this is especially important. The grafted cactus will do well in a mix made out of 50 percent (or higher) perlite and 50 percent (or lower) succulent/cactus soil, or potting soil. Peat based soils and soils high in organic matter hold to much moisture and compact to easily, which can be detrimental to any plant. Note that adding sand or rocks to the bottom of the bottom does nothing in aiding with drainage. WaterAllow the soil to dry out between waterings, but not bone dry. When watering, water enough that water pours out of the drainage hole (which the pot MUST have) to ensure that the whole root ball is receiving the much needed water. Remove all access water that has collected in the saucer. To avoid over watering, consider planting in a clay pot or adding a wick outside the drainage hole. Over watering is the major killer of cacti. FertilizerMost cacti are not heavy feeders and do not require routine fertilizing, but they do benefit from monthly feedings during their growing periods. Which in general usually spans from late April to September.
2 Comments
Nathan Olsen
10/21/2019 11:48:39 am
Um. No, euphorbia is not ever grafted on hylocereus. That is in fact incorrect and impossible.
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9/15/2023 04:50:21 pm
First pic third left. Blossfeldia not Gymnocalycium.
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AuthorAaron Roberge ArchivesCategories |