skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Adenium
kodom087

Grafting experiment

13 years ago

When I was doing the repotting of my DRs in April I did some root pruning as well. I had cut off a couple of undesirable roots that were either in the way or eventually would not add to the over all appearance of my oldest DR. Rather than just throw away the decent sized roots I wanted to experiment with grafting. Unfortunately I didn't take any before and during pictures but here is the result of the experiment.

This root was at the very bottom of the DR growing between two other nice fat roots in a horizontal path. I was worried it'd grow in such a way to trap dirt and such that might could eventually lead to rot. Besides, it was underground so it wouldn't never really see the light of day. I did the flat (slightly angled) graft and then planted it vertically. I'll be curious how this root develops over the years.

{{gwi:343932}}

{{gwi:343933}}

{{gwi:343934}}

{{gwi:343935}}

{{gwi:343936}}

I should add that the grafts were perfectly flat. While it was bonding the scion pushed down to form that weird gap. I'm guessing because of young tissue growing faster than old tissue of the root. But it's filling in fast as you can see by the last two closeup shots.

So if for some reason you have a need to prune off some big roots due to rot or what ever I suggest saving them cleaning of the rot and do a graft. What do you have to loose?

Kirk

Featured Answer
  • 12 years ago

    Updating this thread.

    Since most of my plants are starting to wake up I decided to show the progress of this graft experiment. Remember how this was a completely underground root that I cut off and decided to graft onto just to see if it'd work? Well just check out how that graft area has been changing over the winter during dormancy.
    The part of the root that has been exposed to light and air since the graft is getting some green and the scar at the scion is filling in very nicely. I'd say this cutie is coming along nicely!

    {{gwi:343939}}

    {{gwi:343940}}

    {{gwi:343941}}

    {{gwi:343943}}

    {{gwi:343944}}

    {{gwi:343945}}

    {{gwi:343946}}

    Kirk

    Comments (21)

    • 13 years ago

      Wow....that is interesting experiment. Please keep up post from time to time.
      Marie

    • 13 years ago

      Thanks, Marie.

      I also did a micro graft of an albino seedling onto one of my regular pinks to try to keep from losing it. So far it's in the start of it's second week and seems to be ok. I'll be posting about that one too.

      Kirk

    • Related Professionals

      Baton Rouge Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · DeRidder Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Barnstable Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Portsmouth Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Concord Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Belleville Accessory Dwelling Units · Charlottesville Accessory Dwelling Units · Portland Accessory Dwelling Units · Hempstead Accessory Dwelling Units · Seattle Accessory Dwelling Units · Tulsa Architects & Building Designers · Beckley Architects & Building Designers · Utica Architects & Building Designers · Fresno Architects & Building Designers · Yuba City Architects & Building Designers
    • 13 years ago

      Just a little update on the graft experiment.

      {{gwi:343937}}

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      Krk,
      Well done, surely this must be a first? Never heard of grafting directly onto a root before. When you think about it water and nutrients have a shorter journey to the graft. I think you are really onto something. Keep us updated.

      Brian UK.

    • 13 years ago

      I never thought about that, Brian. Is food for thought! I figure the root will take years to look interesting although not concerned with the overall look of it. I plan on using this graft as scion stock in the future and not worry about taking scions from my original plant unless pruning.

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      Kirk this is amazing thanks for sharing, maybe I will try to experiment with my seedlings

    • 13 years ago

      Very cool - thanks for the update... will think about doing some root pruning now....

    • 13 years ago

      Hi Kirk!!

      This is just awesome!!

      Congratulations on a job well done... Love the updates!!

      Keep posting pics..

      Take care,

      Laura

    • 13 years ago

      Thanks! It has got me wanting to do a couple of more odd root grafts. I may do that later this week. Can't wait to see what you all come up with in your experiments.

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      A little update on this graft experiment.

      First, please ignore the spider mite damage. I have been away from home for a month. It seems the spider mites took over pretty much all my adeniums while I was away and the person left in charge to water my plants isn't exactly what any one would call a gardener. So I'll be working hard this week on damage control!

      This is what I came home today to see on my grafting experiment. It's first buds. I don't have faith they'll make it through the spider mite treatment but one can only hope. Non the less, I'm excited.
      {{gwi:343938}}

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      That is quite the experiment, Kirk. That is really something to see it forming buds.
      Rick

    • 13 years ago

      Hey Kirk,

      So glad to see you are back. I was wondering about where you had gone. I'm glad your graft is still doing well and producing flowers for you. That is wonderful.

      I imagine if you use any chemicals you will lose leaves and the bud. Perhaps you want to just spray with a strong shower of water a couple times a day to get rid of them and still see your plant bloom? Then begin using the chemicals.

      Glad you are back...Missed ya!

    • 13 years ago

      Kirk, very interesting experiment. I see the joint is getting stronger too. You think it can still support once the tree gets bigger?

    • 13 years ago

      Amazing experiment!! Well done! :-)

      Chuy

    • 13 years ago

      Wow, that is fast. Your picture was on May 23 and now only mid August. Only 3 months to flowers.....very good experiment.

      Marie

    • 13 years ago

      Thanks, everyone!

      Otis, I think it'll be able to support it just fine. I do think the blooms may droop this first time being it's a young graft but I think by next year it'll handle them pretty well.

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      Well, the bud fell off as did the leaves. Oh well. At least I should be able to expect some flowers in it's next cycle and hopefully be spiter mite free.

      Kirk

    • 13 years ago

      Sorry to read about the spider mite attack. I hope your other plants weren't as attractive to the nasty critters. That is one very cool graft!

      Cynthia

    • 10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago

      Kirk, update please?

      So far the best experiment...

    • 9 years ago

      Old post but very nice! Great job!

    Related Stories
    EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
    Full Story
    60
    GARDENING GUIDES6 Ways to Grow Edibles in Small Places
    By Matt Kilburn
    No big backyard? Join in the grow-your-own fun with these small-space ideas for planting vegetables, fruits and herbs
    Full Story
    16
    WINTER GARDENINGPruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses
    By Annie Thornton
    Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape
    Full Story
    130
    EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Add an Apple Tree to Your Edible Garden
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Readily available, beautiful and fragrant, apple trees offer four-season interest along with crisp, juicy fruit
    Full Story
    39
    SMALL SPACES11 Design Ideas for Splendid Small Living Rooms
    By Samantha Schoech
    Boost a tiny living room's social skills with an appropriate furniture layout — and the right mind-set
    Full Story
    127
    GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Tsuga Canadensis ‘Bennett’
    By Jay Sifford
    Bennett Canadian hemlock thrives in shade and provides sculptural interest in eastern U.S. gardens
    Full Story
    13
    TREES11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form
    By Jay Sifford
    With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting
    Full Story
    115
    ARCHITECTUREThink Like an Architect: How to Pass a Design Review
    By Dylan Chappell
    Up the chances a review board will approve your design with these time-tested strategies from an architect
    Full Story
    30
    PLANTING IDEASThese Aren’t Your Grandparents’ Junipers
    By Jay Sifford
    Dislike junipers? Maybe it’s time to discover new varieties and new uses for this garden workhorse
    Full Story
    55
    EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow Your Own Peaches and Nectarines
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Make gardening a little sweeter with these juicy fruits, which you can eat after plucking or preserve for later
    Full Story
    29
    Sponsored
    More Discussions
    معرض فرص الامتياز التجاري بالرياض: بوابة التوسع ودور إدارة الفعاليات
    0
    معرض الفرنشايز: البوابة الذهبية للاستثمار النموذجي والتوسع في المملكة
    0