Hi Frank, you don't need the tape for flat grafts. All I use is the tiny zip lock bags like the ones the growers post the seeds in. Just cut off the zip part. When u cut the scion just slide it just inside the bag and then u can easily place the pieces together and slide it up into a corner and pull down the bag around the branch and place a rubber band around it to secure. The trick is to have the bag firm but but not too tight. If it is too tight u will squash the scion onto the branch too much and it won't take. And don't place the rubber band to close to the join. It needs to sweat and if the band is too close to the join the condensation will gather too close to the join and it will fail. You can use glad wrap (cling wrap or what ever u might call it) but I found that was a bit more fiddly especially if it's a bit windy. Leave it for ten days then remove the band but leave the bag over the graft until u can see shoots on the graft. U can usually tell within 2 weeks of grafting if it is going to take or not. Flat grafting is easy once you get the little technical parts right. I kept failing because I kept putting it on too tight but now I'm getting the hang of it and having more successes than fails. The flat graft is a much nicer look too I think especially when u get the perfect scion size to match the branch size.

Hope I haven't confused u.

Christine

Christine:

Perfect! Thanks for the detailed explanation of your grafting techniques. When/if the time comes I will use your methods....that's if my plants live long enough for me to think about top-working the upper branches on my braided "tower".

I too, agree with the look of a properly matched, flat graft. These major Adenium growers/importers need to lose the ugly, "V" grafts. Thank God there are some grafting alternatives.

(Just curious....what kind of stretchy, tape is used)?

Frank

I have only done a few V grafts. The trick with them is to use small cable ties to help secure the two pieces together. U have to make sure the inverted v fits perfectly inside the cut v in the root stock and there is no gaps. The secure near the top with a cable tie. Then wrap the tape around the graft. Again u leave the tape on for 10 days then remove it but leave the cable tie on until you are sure it will hold on its own. Oh and one more thing I learnt the hard way. The V in the root stock needs to be cut from each edge of the white inner part of the branch, don't cut the V from the outer edge. The more the inner white parts are touching on both pieces the greater the chance of success.

The tape I use is actually called grafting tape. But I'm in Australia so it could be called something else for u. It's quite a soft stretchy tape but u don't really need to stretch it, just wrap it firmly around the graft but not too tight.

I actually found the v graft harder to do than the flat as the scion kept slipping out of the v.

I am very much a beginner at grafting and my advice is just on what I have learned. There might be a better or easier way but I'm getting pretty good success doing it this way.

Christine-

Thanks for taking the time to explain the merits and demerits of some popular grafting techniques. Best to know what you're getting yourself into before the time comes.

My New York City climate is terrible for growing full-sun, desert plants, but I forge ahead anyway, and hope for the best. If my plants live, grafting might be in my future. Hopefully, I will get some successful grafts by following your suggestions.

Frank

Christine-

And, good luck to you too. The photos are great, and filled with information. Many thanks for all the help.

Frank

Thank you for sharing Christine, hopefully one day I'll have enough of plants to experiment with. Frank, I saw on video about grafting , they simply used a regular kitchen plastic wrap. First they cut it into a few rolls about a duct tape size, then use the end of the wrap to cover the tip, and then wrap it around to secure it. Super easy and seems like works really well

Elena

Elena, that is what I'm planning to do this year. It just seems like a good idea. The plastic will secure the scion, and keep moisture out.

I used to do V graft, but only flat graft in the last 4-5 years. It is easy to do flat graft.

Last year I did 43 scions first time (39 took). Second time I did 27 100% took.

But I lost 1/3 in the winter. But that is okay I will do more this year.

Marie

Yes, I much prefer the flat grafts. The "V" grafts are not very nice looking, even after many years. You also get way more scions from a branch, using flat grafting.

I did both methods to try when I did my first grafts.

Rick