regrafting

Regrafting is a horticultural technique in which a new graft is applied to a plant after the original graft has failed, or to alter the cultivar or vigor of a grafted plant. It may be used to restore production to a tree whose initial graft did not take, or to replace a scion with a different variety without planting a new tree. Regrafting can extend the productive life of established stock and is widely practiced in fruit trees, grapevines, roses, and some ornamental species.

Common regrafting methods mirror standard grafting techniques, such as whip-and-tongue, cleft, bud grafting, or approach grafting. The choice depends on the size of the plant, the presence of viable cambium, and the compatibility of scion and rootstock. Regrafting is usually performed during periods when the cambium is active, which for many temperate species is in late winter to early spring, but timing can vary by species and climate. In some cases, the original rootstock is retained and a new scion is grafted onto or alongside the existing union; in others, the old graft is removed and a fresh graft is placed on the same root system.

Success depends on cambial contact, genetic compatibility, plant health, temperature and humidity, and proper aftercare, including securing the graft, protecting from desiccation and pests, and providing adequate water and nutrition. Regrafting carries higher failure risk than a primary graft, and multiple attempts may be needed. If the original rootstock is compromised, regrafting onto a different rootstock may offer improved vigor or disease resistance, but compatibility must be assessed.

Regrafting is common in orchard management and nursery stock, where rapid replacement of cultivars or correction of graft failures is beneficial. It should be planned with consideration of growth stages and long-term goals for the plant.