Grafting Lithops

topic posted Mon, July 7, 2008 - 11:06 PM by  Azazeal
I know this may be a crazy idea, but I've always liked challenges. Has anyone ever tried grafting lithops onto another cactus before?
posted by:
Azazeal
SF Bay Area
  • Re: Grafting Lithops

    Tue, July 8, 2008 - 1:27 PM
    I'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.
    • Re: Grafting Lithops

      Tue, July 8, 2008 - 7:01 PM
      Hmmmm..., 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.
      • Re: Grafting Lithops

        Tue, July 8, 2008 - 7:57 PM
        Good luck! Keep us posted on your results.
        • Re: Grafting Lithops

          Tue, July 8, 2008 - 10:09 PM
          Oh 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.
          • Re: Grafting Lithops

            Wed, July 9, 2008 - 12:10 PM
            I would hazard a guess that it will not grow any larger, as lithops molt their "leaves" annually and grow new ones.
            • Re: Grafting Lithops

              Wed, July 9, 2008 - 7:47 PM
              Yes. My guess exactly. Interesting. We think a like.
              • Re: Grafting Lithops

                Thu, July 10, 2008 - 8:31 AM
                Hello...

                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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