Degrafting San Pedro Cacti

Removing a graft, otherwise commonly referred to as de-grafting, involves removing the scion from the rootstock after it has become established enough to grow its own roots. In this video, we’re going to talk about when a good time to remove a graft is, how to remove a grafted cactus, and what to do with the pieces afterwards.

When to Remove Graft

A good time to remove a grafted cactus is when the scion has grown to a large enough size, or becomes top heavy and unbalanced. Maybe it’s toppling over like the one shown in the photo below. Now’s definitely a good time to remove the scion and let it grow on its own. Otherwise a good rule of thumb for cutting size is at least 8-12 inches to plant the cutting on its own.

You may also be dealing with rot on the union of the cacti. You will need to remove this graft and attempt the union again.

How to Remove a Grafted Cactus

1. First find a sharp, sterile cutting tool.
2. Then, take a cutting at the base of the scion, ensuring you leave a few inches remaining (like taking a cutting from any other cactus).
   
3. Lastly, set the cutting aside and let it callus for at least several days until a nice thick callus forms, then [Step 4] replant in well-draining soil! Give it time for roots to develop before gradually increasing watering frequency.
   

And that’s it! Just like taking a cutting from any other San Pedro cactus. Easy right?

What to do with the Rootstock & Mother Plant

Just like taking a cutting from a mother plant, the remaining part of the Scion on the rootstock will begin to put out new offsets from the remaining areoles. Cut off any offsets that grow from the rootstock to ensure that energy is directed towards growth of the mother plant offsets. Make sure to keep the cut healthy and dry, and you’ll have new growth in no time!

 

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it! Follow these simple, easy steps and you'll be able to remove healthy cactus that are ready to continue to grow on their own. 

Key Takeaways

• De-grafting involves removing the scion from the rootstock after it has become established enough to grow its own roots.
• A good rule of thumb for cutting size is at least 8-12 inches
• Take cuttings from the base of the scion and let them callus over for at least several days in a clean dry location before planting in well-draining soil.
• The remaining scion, or mother plant, can be left on to grow new offsets that may be cut in the future.