It is preferable to use a host plant such as Trichocereus candicans for grafting functions to increase development patterns for cactus such as Lophophora williamsii. Trichocereus candicans is liked as a host plant over San Pedro or others for the following reasons:
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1. Candicans is a smaller plant with a smaller root system and also even more button grafts may be completed in a far smaller sized area.
2. Candicans plants do well in tool sized pots for many years as well as the entire collection can be lightweight as well as mobile.3. The respective sizes of the two plants are extra closely matched for much easier grafting.

When a solitary button of Lophophora williamsii is grafted to a limb of Trichocereus candicans, it will undergo incredible growth. New lophophora williamsii heads will outgrow the side areoles of the primary grafted head. When these side expanding "puppies" reach the size needed to match the limb diameter of a Trichocereus candicans, these might be cut off as well as grafted to a brand-new limb. Considering that the development energy of the host plant is blocked and ended with a button head, the formation of a brand-new limb from the base of the plant generally occurs promptly. As soon as this brand-new limb gets to enough elevation as well as size, one of the puppies might be removed and also implanted onto completion of this arm or leg. The objective is to frequently keep blocking any upright growth of the Trichocereus candicans arm or legs. This accomplishes two points:

1. Faster forced development of the switch grafts and also the formation of 3 or even more side dogs at the areole points are attained.

2. Fast formation of brand-new limbs for brand-new grafts using these puppies is also developed.

The Trichocereus candicans attempts to bypass the energy obstructing grafts by creating new arm or legs. After the formation of a brand-new arm or leg, 3 inches or more may be removed the top of it. This arm or leg is now ready to receive a graft. When a graft has "taken" and also button development appears, any kind of Trichocereus candicans arm or leg with a switch formerly implanted to it may be cut several inches or more listed below the button as well as reserved in a warm unethical spot for two weeks to ensure that the injury might have time to callous up. This very same arm or leg might be placed in a pot. The Trichocereus candicans will develop new origins as well as the whole process begins over once more. From a single button head implanted onto a solitary Trichocereus candicans arm or leg, the growth system will certainly take off at a rapid price. Starting with just a couple of buttons of Lophophora williamsii, within a few years these might develop into a hundred.

IMPLANTING TECHINQUES

Cut a switch off as straight as well as level as feasible with a brand-new carton knife blade (offered at hardware stores) and also do the very same to a Trichocereus candicans limb. Position the cut on each plant to ensure that the sizes of the cuts are equal or that the button cut is somewhat smaller in size. Put them with each other and also weight the top of the switch with a small item of rock slate. If this is inadequate weight to firmly push the button down, include an additional rock to the top of the slate. Experimentation as well as technique will eventually get it right. Let them remain such as this for at least 7 days, after which the rocks might be removed. The graft may not really "take" (where you can see signs of development) for another 2 -3 weeks. Also improperly done grafts with just one half or much less of the surfaces affixed have been seen to work. These take longer to become recognized, but once the connection is made, they will take off as well as the others.

Once an individual masters it, it is very easy. A single graft can be performed in under 5 minutes. Buttons expanded in this fashion can be expected to enhance in size at the approximate rate of one inch each year, as well as the numerous side pups which are also growing at the same amazing rate! All plants must be shaded. A white bed sheet stapled to a light-weight timber framework works well. This permits them to get lots of light for growth without burning them. They love intense heat (80 ° to 100 ° F). It is at this time that growth is most incredible.