next attempt at grafting lophophora to opuntia

[Inyan]

Yes, you can get colonizers between the stock and the scion. As for the particular insect that traveled through my cacti... I have no idea what it was as it was either dead and decomposed or had long since vacated. There was a small tell tale bore hole in one side that had almost healed up with a little rust red around the exit. Suffice it to say, we live in a world of microorganisms and I've been lucky as I've worked in the laboratory growing out these microorganisms... you would think that I would be more careful with my own cacti... I don't believe that you can graft for many years and not have some unexpected turns. The bottom line is that grafting is both an art and a science and you will continue to learn as you perform more grafts.

[Chief BigTittyFlapFlaps]

unfortunately...only 2 took.   pics below...   Some got infections. 

lessons:
1.  make sure they don't sit in water! (obviously)
2.  make sure elastics are not too tight...
3.  make sure scions are pumped and definitely actively growing
4.  ..maybe just calm down a bit in the winter. 

[Chief BigTittyFlapFlaps]

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[Chief BigTittyFlapFlaps]

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[Inyan]

You made excellent evaluations and I agree 100% with them. With that said, you still managed to get some to take which for your first attempt grafting seedlings to Opuntia without roots is not bad at all! Your not out of the dog house yet though. You will need to keep them in a humid environment a little while longer to be on the safe side. You could get away with placing them in sand or perlite now though and attempt to get some roots started.

[Chief BigTittyFlapFlaps]

they are in that container.  i drilled some drainage holes, moistened the soil and covered them up.  hopefully they will start rooting soon. 

[Inyan]

You've done all you can do at this point. Now it is just a matter of waiting.

[Chief BigTittyFlapFlaps]

I BLEW IT!! ...totally blew it.  all the scions died.  that will be the last time i try to graft to unrooted cuttings for a while...  live and learn.