I know this may be a crazy idea, but I've always liked challenges. Has anyone ever tried grafting lithops onto another cactus before?
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Tue, July 8, 2008 - 1:27 PMI've never heard of anyone doing this. And while it sounds like a cool idea, I'm not entirely sure it would work. Usually grafting is done with a finicky cactus because it is prone to rot from watering or has a weak root system. I've never heard of someone trying grafting with a non-cacti succulent species. The problem with lithops is that most of the plant's structure lies underground. This is both a defense mechanism against "mechanical" damage and a way of conserving water during a drought. If that much of the plant were exposed above the graft host it might not survive. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Tue, July 8, 2008 - 7:01 PMHmmmm..., I had feeling someone was going to say that. I am always so happy to meet others that know a lot more than I do. I always like a challenge though. I'll give it shot when I find a suiting grafting stock. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Tue, July 8, 2008 - 7:57 PMGood luck! Keep us posted on your results. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Tue, July 8, 2008 - 10:09 PMOh yes, I definitely will. If it works I'm dying to see how the grafting section affects the growth of the lithop. Will it continue to grow as a larger lithop? Will it forego it's dormant cycle and continue dividing? Or, will sprout roots and attempt to digest the graft stock? Who knows. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Wed, July 9, 2008 - 12:10 PMI would hazard a guess that it will not grow any larger, as lithops molt their "leaves" annually and grow new ones. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Wed, July 9, 2008 - 7:47 PMYes. My guess exactly. Interesting. We think a like. -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Thu, July 10, 2008 - 8:31 AMHello...
I am botany student. and I am thinking back to my plant anatomy class...there is probable going to be some compatability issues ie vascular bundles done mesh well..as far as I know grafting is only successful between plants in the same family. Euphorbiaceae, cactaceae, rutaceae, prunaceae. Though it is presumed the aizoaceae may have shared some lineage with the cactaceae based on beta-cyanins...so who knows ;) -
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Re: Grafting Lithops
Thu, July 10, 2008 - 7:59 PMInteresting. I'll give it a shot and see.
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