[IBC] air layering

Kitsune Miko

Like anything in bonsai, it depends on your
microclimate. In Norhern California, since there is
normally a mild winter, I can and do airlayer at any
time. It takes longer if the temperature is colder
and if the tree is less active in its grownth pattern.

Spring is the first best time, summer is possible, and
when the tree is pre-dormant is another possibility.

I remove an area of bark and cambium that is 3 times
as long as the tree is wide at the point of the
airlayer. (i.e. a one inch twig is cleared of 3
inches of bark and cambium). I then apply a light
dusting of hormone powder to the top cut only (too
much and the tree will repair rather than root.)

Then I apply a damp clump of spagnum moss again about
3 times the width of the airlayered area. I cover
this with plastic tied tighlty at the bottom, but
loose enough at the top to allow watering. I wrap the
area with string so that the moss is in tight contact
with the tree to keep the moisture attached to the
cut.

e are some that like black plastic over clear,
reflective foil over either, but where I live, I
haven' found this makes a difference.

There is also the method where a pot that is ample
enough in size to generously cover the airlayer area,
is cut to fit around the airlayer, tied and taped into
place, and filled with a medium that would promote
root growth. You have to water this type more often
than the plastic wrap, but this is better for older
wood airlayers.

Mature wood, with established bark, may take longer to
root than bark still green. some trees root more
eaisly than others. Heat encourages rooting, (sun on
black plastic or a black pot) but too much heat is not
a good thing.

Some trees root better than others.

Patience, patience, patience. I have gotten things to
root, but was too vigerous in my removal and potting,
so lost the airlayer.

Kitsune Miko

--- Theo <byjoke@CH.INTER.NET> wrote:
> Keith wrote:
>
> > I want to do some air layering on some Maples and
> Junipers, when is the
> > appropriate time of year?
> >
> > Keith
> > Eastern N.C.
> > zone 7/8
>
> apparently now in spring until june and it should
> be ok within 3 -5 months
> I have asked a similar question unbder Katsura
> maple ail layering but
> nobody answered
> do you know how to do it ?
>
>
> Theo_694@hotmail.com or ICQ 25 666 169 4
>
> L'Umiltà è la Peggiore delle Presunzioni (la
> Rochefocault)
>
> "The difference between genius and stupidity
> is that genius has its
> limits."
> -Albert Einstein
>
>
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>
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=====
"Art does not take kindly to facts, is helpless to grapple with theories, and is killed outright by a sermon." Agnes Ropplier
(added to the above)
"How many things in life do we bludgeon with facts, render helpless
with theories, and kill with sermons? If art can help us go beyond
these patterns, we certainly need it in our lives."
Anne Wilson Schaef
From, "Women Who Do Too Much Calandar 2004."

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by John Quinn++++
************************************************** ******************************
>>-->> The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ <<--<<
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail BONSAI-REQUEST@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM +++++