Since I had some moldy badly neglected Trichocereus bridgesii seedlings at the beginning of winter season I tried a grafting technique which for some may seem unusual.
First of all the timing was completely wrong as grafting is usually done in spring or summer when both scion and stock are in full vegetative growth.
Second, I used Chamaecereus silvestrii (Echinopsis chamaecereus) as a stock which is rather unique. I've failed to find a single reference anywhere for this species being used as a stock in cactus grafting. The logic behind my choice is that this plant is almost impossible to kill, takes all kinds of abuse in cultivation as regards soil, light, water, grows fast and roots quickly given decent conditions.
Third, Trichocereus bridgesii is usually at the other end of the grafting process, not on top, but at the base. I just wanted to see how fast it will grow if grafted. The seedlings were almost dead anyway.
I made three grafts, kept them in a warm place with poor light during the entire winter, watered twice a month or so. Only one took off!
The growth speed is good, probably better if kept on its own roots in the same conditions. The scion is a bit etiolated from the lack of light, but it will recover during the spring.
So the experiment worked. Chamaecereus silvestrii may be used as a stock in cactus grafting. The technique works even in the winter season. Myths busted!
