Grafting is one of the most fascinating and practical techniques in plant propagation. By joining parts of two different plants so they grow as one, gardeners and farmers can improve fruit quality, increase disease resistance, control plant size, and speed up production.
This method has been used for centuries in horticulture, especially for fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vines.
In this blog, we’ll explore the main types of grafting in plants, explained in simple language, along with their uses and advantages.
Table of Contents
What Is Grafting?
Grafting is a vegetative propagation technique where a scion (the upper part of a plant with buds) is attached to a rootstock (the lower part with roots). Once the tissues unite successfully, the plant grows as a single unit. The rootstock provides strength and resistance, while the scion determines the fruit, flower, or leaf quality.
Major Types of Grafting in Plants
1. Whip and Tongue Grafting
Whip and tongue grafting is one of the most common and reliable grafting methods, especially for fruit plants like apple, pear, and plum.
In this method, both the scion and rootstock are of equal thickness. A slanting cut is made on both parts, followed by a small “tongue” cut that helps lock them together. This increases surface contact, leading to faster healing.
Best for: Apple, pear, peach
Advantages: Strong union, high success rate
Season: Late winter or early spring
Also Read : Easy Way to Do Lemon Tree Grafting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
2. Cleft Grafting
Cleft grafting is used when the rootstock is much thicker than the scion. The rootstock is split down the center, and one or two scions shaped like wedges are inserted into the split.
This method is ideal for top-working old trees or changing varieties in established plants.
Best for: Mango, apple, walnut
Advantages: Useful for mature trees, simple technique
Season: Dormant season
3. Bark Grafting
Bark grafting is performed when the bark of the rootstock can be easily separated from the wood, usually during active growth. The scion is placed between the bark and wood of the rootstock.
This type of grafting is often used to repair damaged trees or to convert old trees into improved varieties.
Best for: Citrus, apple, pecan
Advantages: Works well on large branches
Season: Spring, when sap is flowing
Also Read: Apple Tree Grafting Method: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
4. Approach Grafting (Inarching)
Approach grafting is unique because both plants remain rooted until the graft union forms. The stems of two growing plants are brought together, a small section of bark is removed from each, and they are tied together.
Once the union is successful, the scion is cut from its original root system.
Best for: Guava, sapota, ornamental plants
Advantages: High success rate, useful for difficult-to-graft plants
Season: Rainy or growing season
5. Bud Grafting (Budding)
Bud grafting involves using a single bud instead of a whole scion. The most common types are T-budding and chip budding. In T-budding, a T-shaped cut is made on the rootstock, and a bud is inserted.
This method is widely used in commercial nurseries because it is economical and fast.
Best for: Rose, citrus, peach
Advantages: Saves plant material, faster propagation
Season: Active growing period
6. Veneer Grafting
Veneer grafting is commonly used for plants that are difficult to graft by other methods. A shallow cut is made on the rootstock, and the scion is fitted onto it.
This technique is very popular in tropical fruit plants.
Best for: Mango, cashew, avocado
Advantages: High success in evergreen plants
Season: Spring to early summer
7. Side Grafting
In side grafting, the scion is inserted into a cut made on the side of the rootstock, without removing the top immediately. Once the graft union is successful, the top of the rootstock is cut off.
This method allows the rootstock to continue growing during healing.
Best for: Apple, pear, ornamental shrubs
Advantages: Less shock to plant, good control
Season: Spring
8. Saddle Grafting
Saddle grafting is similar to whip grafting, but the scion is shaped like a saddle and placed over the rootstock. It requires precision and is less commonly used today.
Best for: Grapes, nut trees
Advantages: Good cambium contact
Season: Dormant period
Importance of Choosing the Right Grafting Method
Each grafting type has its own purpose. The success of grafting depends on:
- Compatibility between scion and rootstock
- Correct season and climate
- Proper alignment of cambium layers
- Good aftercare like tying, sealing, and watering
Using the right method ensures faster healing, healthier plants, and better yields.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of grafting in plants helps gardeners, farmers, and nursery growers choose the best technique for their crops. From whip and tongue grafting for fruit trees to bud grafting for roses and citrus, each method plays a vital role in modern horticulture. With practice and proper care, grafting can dramatically improve plant quality and productivity.
Also Read: Grafting
