Sometimes grafts don't take.When the rootstalk sends out a new shoot, don't cut it off. It has given you a new opportunity for grafting. This article will describe how to graft onto the new growth.
Wait until the shoot has three leaves. The third leaf still unopened.
With a sharp exacto knife, cut off the leaves.
Carefully cut the soft stem vertically about 1/2 inch.
The scion for grafting should be green new growth. With the exacto knife, cut a long wedge for inserting into the split shoot.
Cut a 1/2" strip of aluminum foil and wrap the graft. With a fan fold, the foil will be snug but able to expand with growth. Either before or after the graft, trim the scion's leaves to about 1/3 the orginal size. I used little scissors after the graft was complete.
To keep the graft humid while the leaf bud sprouts, put a baggie over it.
Once the bud starts to grow, I'll add more photos.
3 comments:
Good job, Carol. Good instructions -- written and with pictures. Some follow-up pictures will be interesting. B. Belcher
This is a clear and concise guide to grafting that will be helpful to people who have never attempted this before. Good pictures and good instructions. Can you explain what a fan-fold is though? I am new to the world of Camellias and have not heard of a fan-fold before. Thanks
Hi Ethan. First I pull the foil strip snuggly around the graft. With the foil ends together, I make a zig zag - to keep the foil snug and also allow for growth. It's like an old-fashioned paper fan. :)
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