Tip of the day - developing aerial roots

Attila

Looking at the tree of the day and somebody mentioning areal roots, I just remembered a tip that Ben Oki gave me about a month ago on how to easily develop areal roots on the branches of the Ficus.

Take several branches and pull them down all the way to the soil. Using bonsai wire, nail them tightly to the soil so that the soil partially covers the area touching the ground.

You will have roots growing from the branches into the ground in no time. When the roots are long enough, raise the branches back to their original position.

Voila, your Ficus is loaded with areal roots!

Just thought that I will share this with you if you haven't known it yet.
(btw, you can do this with any tropical, prone to have areal roots)

Regards,
Attila

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WinterGreen

does this technique work with any other plants?

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bonsaial1

Lord. I am the wrong one for spelling, but just so I know, Is it spelled differently for plants or is it "aerial'?

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EarthgirlOK

Your version is the correct spelling.

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Bonsainut

Great tip Attilla,
Cant't wait for tomorrows TOTDBA.
Tip
of
the
day
by
Atilla (or anyone)

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Lethal Use of Farce

Attila

Conifers would have a hard time rooting, except Junipers, which do it easily.

It will work with most trees. Beech would be an exception, it's hard to develop roots for them, and I am not sure about the Hornbeams.

To speed up the process, you can peel off a piece of bark from the bottom side of the branch (the side facing the soil) and rub some rooting hormone into the wound.

I don't really see the reason to develop aereal roots on non-tropical trees , but it's a good way to propagate your trees using this method. After the roots are developed, you can just cut off the branch and plant it somewhere else.

pdbbonsai

Thank you Attila for that tip!!!


If I made add one other tip for aerial roots. I have had loads of success by placing my ficus, scheffleras etc in clear plastic bags. Making sure that the soils is moist, and misting the entire tree before sealing them up. Aerial roots soon start shooting out all over the place. Use of straws with slits in them will aid in direction (slip aerial root into straw, and it will follow it to the spot you wish the root to enter soil.) The slit ensures safe removal of straw. Allow air to circulate every so often by opening the bag, remisting etc.

Paul

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bonsaiAssassin

hmmmz interesting thanks for the tip. will this work on a firethorn? and does it work for old trees only or even young trees?

Attila

It depends on the species. Some will root much easier than other. I've never rooted firethorn but you can always try.