Bald Cypress Article

grampz

Thomas and Kenneth,

Yes, air layers are possible on the bald cypress...I have made several in the past and currently have another one going in my garden...they are not always successful but after I learned the correct proceedure I have had about 80% success...You should start the layer in the spring after the new leaves harden off...The best method I have found involves the tourniquet method...I usually make a few small nicks all the way around the trunk just above the wire...after about 2 months I usually remove the wrapping and moss...You will see a large swelling just above the wire...then make some cuts between the nicks about 1/2 inch long re-apply the rooting hormone, moss and wrap...by this time here in San Antonio the afternoon temps are so high it is a good idea to also wrap aluminium foil around the layer to refelect some of the heat...usually if I see enough roots by the end of September I will remove the layer...but if not I wait until the following early spring before bud break...this also gives you time to make the chop where you want it...I have some pics of the layer I did this past spring and will post them on the forum IF I am successful...

Regards
Behr

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KENNETH MOORE

Thanks Grampz for your info. I"ll try that in the spring. Printed out your info. so I''ll remember what to do.

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Old Texan

vince

Okay, a question for Thomas_J. I have seen Bald Cypress for sale in the UK E- bay site. Could i grow em. in Scotland? Having followed all links it appears they need marshy conditions? But as you well know the winters here can get a bit nippy, and it would be a ice-icle for a few month. I was wondering could i grow em. inside in a cool room with plenty of humidity ( south facing window ) or move them inside when it gets too cold. Cheers

Thomas_J.

Vince,
I wouldn't be too concerned about the marshy conditions. It's true bald cypress do grow in swamps, but that's because they can not because they have to. In my part of the world here in Tx. they grow all over as I stated in the article. The heat in the summer is horrendous and still they flourish. Now the winters on your part might be something to think about. As I also stated in the article, the roots might like it a bit more warmer than say tridents or other high cold tolerant trees. I will keep mine in an unheated garage for most of the winter just to try and keep the roots a bit warmer than outside. The bald cypress is mainly a southern U.S. tree, but I've heard of bonsai enthusiasts using them in the northern part of the country also, so I'm sure if you take into consideration some of what I said you should be able to decide whether or not it will work for you. I would say give it a try as long as you don't have to pay an ungodly amount for your bald cypress. Let us know what you decide.

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Thomas J.

grampz

Kenneth,

A word of advice if I may...Don't attempt a layer on a baldy unless you are happy with the size and taper of the lower part...when you tighten the wire around the trunk until it bites into the bark and cambium, you have in effect practically stopped the growth of the lower part...with the strong apical dominance of the bald cypress, it is the growth of the top that increases the flare of the trunk, even more so than the lower branches as in some species...if you want to develop girth and flare let the top grow...

Regards
Behr

KENNETH MOORE

grampz & Thomas j

I have made up my mind to just plant the SKINNY thing and let grow for a few years b/4 I do anything. After looking it over again I am not happy with the size or taper (almost none). I will try to be patient and just let it grow. Will try a chop MUCH later and forget the airlayer bit for now. I am new to Bonsai so all the advice I can get is helpful.
Again thanks

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Old Texan

Thomas_J.

Kenneth,
your probably better off doing it that way. I'm pretty sure I know what size tree you have. I saw some recently in probably one gallon containers for about $19.95. Trunk was very thin with no taper. Putting in the ground is your only hope of being able to someday use it.

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Thomas J.

king30

grampz

Kenneth,

There is a faster method of gaining girth and taper if you are interested, although I will not recomend it because I have seen it denounced by some of the members of this forum with much experience, and whom I have the utmost respect...but it has worked for me with several baldys and in fact I currently have one which I purchased last year on August 2 in the Wal-Mart discount section for 5 dollars...I do not have a photo of when I obtained it but it had a diameter at the base of 3/4 inch and only had 3 leaves on it...Today one year later the base is a little over 2 inches and it is developing nice taper...if I am able to let it continue to grow for another season or 2 I think it will also develop flutes on the flared base...I have had this happen in the past using this method...

If you are interested I can take a current photo, and try to explain how I am growing this tree on...

Regards
Behr