Question
I have a grafted cactus with a red scion. It was grafted about 15 months ago. The mother plant has been getting yellowish starting from two months ago. The scion still looks good but the mother plant seems to grow weak. It is potted in a 6-inch dia, plastic pot and placed beside a south facing window. How can I get rid of the problem??

Answer
Dear Syed,

Theses grafts have an average life span of 1-2 years, if that long.  Usually the scions are specially bred for color and don't contain any chlorophyll so depend on the base for life.  Unfortunately that is usually not sufficient and the scion gradually lightens, softens, and dies. The base can be used to graft another cactus but most folks throw the whole plant out, sorry to say.

You haven't done anything wrong, it is the nature of this particular graft, really a novelty plant.

I'm sorry, but I recommend that you perhaps buy your mother another cactus, either a good grafted cactus that is green or a non-grafted, healthy plant.

Wish I had better news for you.

Maureen

I'm so sorry.  In that case you could graft the scion onto a new base, tho with the colored cactus that is difficult.  If you are interested let me know.