What's Cactus Multiple Grafting and Why Should You Try It?

Multiple grafting is a cool technique where you use two or more different rootstocks on one plant. For example, you might use a cereus rootstock as 

the base and then add a harissa rootstock on top of it.

You’ve probably seen pictures of plants stacked up with different rootstocks like Legos, but there’s a reason for it—multiple grafting helps you take advantage of the best traits of each rootstock.

Here’s why it works and why it’s worth trying:

1. Cereus as the Base Rootstock

The cereus species, like Cereus peruvianus or Cereus tetragonus, are sturdy and strong. They can handle overwatering much better than many other cacti. The reason is their thick, fleshy stems that store water and help them survive periods of heavy watering. 

By using cereus as the base, you’re giving your plant a solid foundation. It can handle a little more moisture and still thrive, which helps reduce the risk of root rot, especially if you’re not always spot-on with watering.

2. Harissa as the Second Rootstock

Now, harissa (like Harissia mexicana) is a bit of a different story. It’s fast-growing, but it’s not as resistant to overwatering as cereus. 

But that’s where the magic happens! 

When you graft a scion (the part you want to grow) onto a harissa rootstock, it helps the scion grow quickly without distorting its shape. 

Harissa doesn’t grow as slowly as other rootstocks and keeps the plant’s original structure intact while speeding things up.

3. Why Combine Them?

By combining cereus and harissa, you’re getting the best of both worlds. You get the strength and stability from cereus and the fast growth from harissa. 

This means your plant will have a sturdy base, but it’ll also grow faster than just using one rootstock alone. It’s a good mix for better survival and quicker results.

4. My Personal Experience: Mammillaria Luetii

I’ve used this technique many times, especially with cacti that are tough to care for, like Mammillaria luetii. This cactus is very sensitive and can die off quickly if not cared for properly. 

I decided to use cereus as the base rootstock because it’s sturdy and can withstand overwatering, while harissa helps speed up the growth process. 

This combo has made a big difference in keeping my Mammillaria luetii alive and thriving!

Here’s a picture of the plant after grafting with multiple rootstocks.

5. When to Use Multiple Grafting

Multiple grafting is especially helpful if you're in a hurry and need faster results. Maybe you’re a grower or breeder and want to speed up the growing process of your plants. 

In that case, grafting helps cut down the waiting time by getting the scion growing quickly and giving it a strong root system. It’s also great if you're refining hybrids and want the plants to mature faster.

If you’re a hobbyist or collector, it’s also a fun challenge! It lets you experiment and see how combining different rootstocks affects plant growth. It’s a great way to learn more about how plants respond to different conditions, plus you get a unique plant out of it!

Why You Should Give It a Try

Multiple grafting is an awesome way to level up your grafting skills. Combining rootstocks with different strengths lets you grow plants that are stronger, faster, and more adaptable. 

Whether you’re a breeder, grower, or plant enthusiast, it’s a fun and rewarding technique to explore. 

So, give it a go and see how combining rootstocks can transform your cactus and succulent collection!