silver paint

[Roy]

I've noticed that some grafts from mainland Europe have what looks like silver paint on the wound, presumably to reduce water loss, does anyone know what it is they are using?

[iann]

Grafting paint is often used on trees. Essentially this is just a latex paint and can be silver. There are mixed thoughts on what it is for! Some say it is for protection of the wound, others that it does not help with healing the graft, but it can be important when certain rooting hormones are used since they are decomposed by light.

[Roy]

Thanks Ian

[Tina]

Hi all

I use nail varnish & paint this on cuts, I have been cutting off some of my grafts but leaving behind some stump to try to induce more pups & maybe a cristate loph.
This seems to help stop drying up of the left over material & I have a couple that are starting to send up new growth.

I have also used it to seal cuts so I don't need to worry about infections when I put the cut section on soil to root, it's a recommended method for Euphorbia's & works quite well on cactus.

(See one very pants photo)

[Roy]

Thanks for that Tina I will give it a go.

[Guest]

Hi Tina

I don't wear nail varnish so this is a no-no for me

[Tina]

Hi Bob

I'll buy you a pot , can't be worse than a friend who used the mrs's red nail varnish :~)

[NickT]

Youu can just imagin it can't you....

(deep butch voice) " actually it's to paint on my cactus grafts miss, I Do NOT wear nail varnish"