How to Crest a Cactus

Crested cacti appear in nature with varying levels of frequency. Cristation or fasciation, as the cresting process is known, results when a section of the cacti grows horizontally from the apex of the main plant. In nature, crested cacti often appear to have a brain-like top or alternately, a fan-shaped structure. In order to intentionally crest a cactus plant, grafting is necessary.

Fast growing cacti for root stock
Crested cacti species for grafting
Sharp knife
Wooden ice cream sticks
Floral tape
Fluorescent lighting

Instructions

- 1
  Select an area of the chosen root stock with new growth. Ideally, the root stock cacti should be fat and have growth from the current growing season.
- 2
  Cut the top off of the root stock cacti, leaving a flat surface. Exact place to cut depends on the species, its size and personal preference.
- 3
  Make vertical cuts down the sides of the root stock cacti. Do not cut off outer layers. Rather, make vertical slits like peeling a potato without following all the way through to remove the skin.
- 4
  Cut a section of an already crested cacti from its original plant. On a round, fan or brain-shaped cacti, gardeners typically cut off a section of the fan or mounded top. More than one section may be needed, depending on the size of the root stock.
- 5
  Trim the cut section of crested cactus, known as a scion, to fit the top of the root stock. Typically, gardeners cut the lower of the scion in a "V" shape, with a flattened bottom.
- 6
  Position the scion on the root stock. Brace with ice cream sticks and secure with floral tape. Place in an area with low fluorescent lighting and high humidity until new growth secures the graft.

Root Systems of a Cactus

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Growing Cactus