Grafting.

[davidwood]

When you have completed your graft is it a good idea to cover with a polly bag, like what you do with a cutting.
If you do cover with a polly bag do you put it in the sun where you will create condensation, or is it better to leave in the shade till the graft takes.

My daughter is here on holidays and having that extra pair of hands makes a big difference, I have taken about 5 grafts and am hoping for a bit more success.

[Charlie]

There are 2 ways to do grafts - either put the graft under a mist system that comes on for a few seconds every few minutes or wax the cut area to hold moisture in and keep microbes out and then put it in a humid environment such as a plastic bag. Do not place it in the sun or it will die. Until the graft heals it needs as mild and gentle  conditions as possible. Many people who live in hot areas find that their grafts work better in winter and this is the reason why.

Good luck!

Charlie

[davidwood]

Thanks Charlie. Can you or anyone with experience tell me how long to leave the polly bag on for. I had already done a few grafts and after 10 days they looked great, so I removed the polly bag and put the plants in a cooler place, they where fine for a day and then they all started wilting, I am wondering if it was because I removed the polly bag to soon.

[Charlie]

Yes, if they started wilting you removed the bag too soon. Each situation is different so it is hard to prescribe an exact time table. The graft union needs to heal sufficiently so that water can pass from the root stock into the scion in adequate amounts to prevent wilting. Could be 3 weeks or could be 6 weeks. You'll have to experiment to find out what works in your situation. If you watch carefully you should be able to see the first signs of wilting and then immediately put the bag back on.

Charlie