Inarching

Inarching also known as approach grafting or bridge grafting is a technique used to join a living branch or shoot of one plant (the scion) with the stem or root of another plant (the stock) to facilitate the transfer of nutrients and promote the growth of the scion.

Step 1 - Choose a healthy scion plant with desirable traits, such as specific fruit quality or flower color. Also, select a compatible stock plant with a strong and well-established root system. The two plants should be of the same or closely related species.

Step 2 - Ensure that both the scion and stock plants are healthy and actively growing. It is advisable to perform inarching during the spring or early summer when the plants have ample energy reserves and can grow vigorously.

Step 3 - Select a suitable location on the stock plant's stem or root where you want to inarch. This area should have a small wound or slit made in the bark to facilitate the connection between the scion and the stock.

Step 4 - Take a healthy shoot or branch from the scion plant and make a diagonal cut at the base. Insert the cut end of the scion into the wound or slit made in the stock plant's bark. This will align the cambium layers of both plants.

Step 5 - Use grafting tape, rubber bands, or grafting wax to hold the scion firmly in place against the stock plant. The connection should be stable and allow nutrient transfer between the two plants.

Step 6 - Provide proper care for the inarched plants, including regular watering, protection from extreme weather conditions, and monitoring for any signs of graft failure or disease. It is crucial to ensure the connection remains intact and healthy.

Step 7 - Once the connection between the scion and stock has become well-established, the scion can be separated from the parent plant. This is typically done by cutting the shoot or branch from the scion plant below the inarched connection.