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Air Layering Instructions #3, Cont'd from prior message:

LAYERING

After some weeks you should observe the development of white roots issuing forth into the moss
Do not disturb the layer during this period. The roots need to harden-off into a darker, more mature form.
Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure that the entire layer receives the sun's warmth.
As necessary, water the layer area to keep moisture in the moss. It should be damp at all times, but should not remain sopping wet for long.
The period of time required to create the layer varies with the season and the species. During the growing season a wisteria might fill the bag with roots in just a few weeks and be ready to separate in just a couple of months. A pine on the other hand might grow much more slowly, requiring up to 2 years for sufficient root to develop.

TIMING THE REMOVAL

By the time the layer is ready to separate, the bag should be filled with roots that have matured from a pure whitish color to a darker appearance. The branch itself should have grown somewhat, indicating that the roots are functioning properly.
The ideal time to separate the layer is the same as repotting; early fall through late winter

REMOVING THE LAYER
In removing the air layer from the host plant, caution should be taken not to disturb the roots, which are extremely brittle at this time.

Using a pruner, cut back the extremities of the foliage on the layer. This will reduce the load on the new roots.
Using a thin-bladed saw such as JR-0111 Keyhole Saw, remove the entire branch and bag, leaving a generous stub
Open the bag and remove the poly.
Fluff the rootball just a bit, and plant it in a well draining bonsai soil. Do not disturb the roots very much or they will break. Do not try to go straight into a bonsai container on the first transplanting. Be very gentle with the plant at this stage.
Tie the plant securely into the growing container.
Update your tag with a record of the date of first transplant.
Next year, when the tree is repotted, the stub may be entirely removed and the roots can be refined to create a more even, pleasing appearance. At this time the tree may be planted in a bonsai container.

13-Sep-2001	#3
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,742	Air Layering Instructions (3/3) Air Layering Instructions #3, Cont'd from prior message: LAYERING After some weeks you should observe the development of white roots issuing forth into the moss Do not disturb the layer during this period. The roots need to harden-off into a darker, more mature form. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure that the entire layer receives the sun's warmth. As necessary, water the layer area to keep moisture in the moss. It should be damp at all times, but should not remain sopping wet for long. The period of time required to create the layer varies with the season and the species. During the growing season a wisteria might fill the bag with roots in just a few weeks and be ready to separate in just a couple of months. A pine on the other hand might grow much more slowly, requiring up to 2 years for sufficient root to develop. TIMING THE REMOVAL By the time the layer is ready to separate, the bag should be filled with roots that have matured from a pure whitish color to a darker appearance. The branch itself should have grown somewhat, indicating that the roots are functioning properly. The ideal time to separate the layer is the same as repotting; early fall through late winter REMOVING THE LAYER In removing the air layer from the host plant, caution should be taken not to disturb the roots, which are extremely brittle at this time. Using a pruner, cut back the extremities of the foliage on the layer. This will reduce the load on the new roots. Using a thin-bladed saw such as JR-0111 Keyhole Saw, remove the entire branch and bag, leaving a generous stub Open the bag and remove the poly. Fluff the rootball just a bit, and plant it in a well draining bonsai soil. Do not disturb the roots very much or they will break. Do not try to go straight into a bonsai container on the first transplanting. Be very gentle with the plant at this stage. Tie the plant securely into the growing container. Update your tag with a record of the date of first transplant. Next year, when the tree is repotted, the stub may be entirely removed and the roots can be refined to create a more even, pleasing appearance. At this time the tree may be planted in a bonsai container. __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!