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Hibiscus Of Tahiti
Grafting
Under Construction
Learn How To Graft:
Table
Of Contents:
Introduction
- basic concept:
Kinds
Of Grafts:
Requirement
For Graft Union Fusion:
Root
Stock:
Introduction - basic concept:
The concept is actually quite
simple. One simply physically
attaches the piece of wood branch they would like to propagate, called
the scion, to a root stock which is an established rooted plant.This is done in such a way that the joint graft union will fuse,
which is accomplished by following the basic principle of matching the
tissues, green to green.This
means matching the green outer tissue of the scion to the green outer
tissues of the root stock.In
doing so all the tissues are aligned so that fusion of the graft union
can occur.
Any
body, but any body, can learn to graft.
The most important thing is to read all you can, then set out to
find what works best for you. Just jump in and do it, since there
is no substitute for experience and the only way get it is to quit procrastinating.
Kinds Of Grafts:
There are many ways to attach the scion and root stock, with end
grafts, side grafts and wedge grafts being the most common. For excellent photo coverage of these methods
check this link by Wally Morgan http://www.widebaytrader.com/graft/graft.htm
Requirements For Graft Union Fusion:
In
order for the graft union to fuse successfully, there are a few basic
requirements:
1) The graft union must be
tightly bound to force the tissue surfaces of the scion and root stock
into intimate contact.
2) The union should be water
proofed.
3) The plant or at least
the graft union and scion should be placed in a suitable environment with
regards to humidity and temperature.
To accomplish point 1) above,
there are many techniques.The
one I find easiest requires a special
kind of tape found at most any hardware store called 
rubber splicing tape that is strong, elastic and self adhesive while
simultaneously providing a degree of water proofing to the graft union.
A similar tape made specifically for grafting is available from
Raggett Industries, check the following link: http://www.raggettindustries.com/buddy.htm There are also other special grafting tapes and binding materials available
for this purpose.Some use plumbers
Teflon tape or simply a cloths pin to hold the tissues together, but unless
the graft union is precisely cut, these methods may not be strong enough
to bring irregularities into intimate contact.
To accomplish point 2) if
one has used the above tape, no further waterproofing may be necessary.However, if other less waterproof methods
of binding are used or as a precautionary measure, one can paint the entire
graft union and scion with melted paraffin wax. Coat the wood with just enough paraffin to cover the surface, but
do not make it overly thick.In
any event, the new growth that will come from the point where originally
there was a leaf, called a node, will penetrate though the layer of paraffin.
To accomplish point 3) one
should try to keep the plant in an ambient temperature of 75 to 90 F (23 to 30 C).At cooler temperatures the graft union will
be very slow to take and may fail.Importantly,
at least the graft union and scion need to be in a humid environment,
which can simply be accomplished by placing a translucent plastic bag
over it.It is usually useful
to attach the plastic bag around the root stock either with a twist tie
or a cloth pin.Alternatively,
the entire plant, pot and all can be placed in a mini propagator.This can be something as simple as placing
several small pots of about 4 containing the grafted plant in a much
large pot where the top of the scion is lower than the top of the pot,
which is cover with translucent plastic.
Another method is to make a tent with translucent plastic and a
flap like door though which the pots may be entered.As the plant transpires, it will create a humid environment, and
one should see condensation on the inside surface of the plastic covering
indicating maximum humidity.The
plants and/or propagator should be placed in subdued light, with no or
very little direct sun, which can cause excess temperatures.It is advisable to spray the plant with a
fungicide periodically, to prevent disease that can be induced in this
humid environment, especially if the graft union and scion have not been
painted with melted paraffin.
One of the most important
points is to learn how to make proper cuts and graft unions. Once you feel you have a proper union, hold
it up against something bright to see if any light passes between the
cut surfaces.If not, you have a good mated surface.Small irregularities may be acceptable if tightly bound, but it
is best to have absolutely flat surfaces where no light passes between
the joint surfaces.
Root Stock:
Another basic consideration
is the root stock.First of all, it only serves to provide fluid
and nutrition to the scion and in no other way effects its characteristics.Accordingly, it is best to use proven root
stock like Pride Of Hankins or "H. albolacinatus", which are
also considered resistant to root rot .
However, if they are not available, the next best choice will be
any local variety the grows well with a massive bush, which importantly,
is easy to grow from cuttings.
This should be enough to get you headed in
the right direction.For an introduction to some alternate ideas
and techniques, please check out the following link: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~purdiejj/Grafting/grafting.htm