Texas Ebony Airlayer

[AZbonsai]

Early morning air layer attempt. @Anthony said these air layer fairly easily. I will attempt two although I think I could do several more.
Here are the materials I will be using:

I use pumis, sphagnum moss, and a bit of cactus soil for a mix. Drying out in AZ heat is a possibility. I also use root hormone. I have heard some say they do not.
Here is a picture of the tree.

I choose where I want the layer to go and trim back some branches. I leave a branch at the bottom so the bottle can rest on it.

Then I prepare the bottle by cutting off the top, splitting it down the side and cutting a circle in the bottom.

Next I cut two circles horizontally around the trunk of the tree where I want the layer to go and I connect the two circles with a vertical cut. Make sure your knife is sharp and you do not go too deep. The bark on this tree is very thin.

Then you can peel the bark away from the trunk. After you peel the bark I try to work quickly so the cambium is not uncovered very long.


I apply root hormone to the top of the cut. Some do not.


Next I fill my bottle about half full of the slurry I created out of my soil components before I put the bottle on the tree.

After the bottle is on the tree I fill it full of my soil and water mixture and tape it up.

Then I put aluminum foil around the bottle to protect it from the direct heat of the sun.

 

[AZbonsai]

Cont.
Then I wrap it in aluminum foil to protect it from direct heat.

I do the same procedure on the other branches and "Bobs your uncle".

Finish just in time for breakfast!

Everything I showed you I picked up from other folks posts and from @bonsainut post about air layering. Hopefully I got it right! Get out and try it people. If it works I will get three trees for the price of one! Thanks bnut fam.

 

[Greastart]

Can't wait for the updates!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I didn't read your whole post, but from the pictures I understand that you wrap bacon around your air-layer girdle(?) Aren't you worried about sap cholesterol?

 

[milehigh_7]

Looks good! Can't wait to see results! I have heard cuttings are not hard so hopefully big cuttings go fast as well!

 

[Anthony]

The air layer should take six weeks at 90 deg F for 10 to 30 minutes daily.
but we have rain from around June and our temperature drops to the 80's.

Using cocoa moss, to wrap and plastic bags with twist ties.
Yes, rooting hormone is also applies.

Bacon on Sunday - first immerse in boiling hot water - from frozen
state.Defrosts.
Then into lightly oiled polished enamel pan on low heat.
This draws out the oil and crisps the bacon.
Lift out when well crispy and leave on napkin paper.
Draws out remaining oil.

Water removes most added stuff, including salt.

Bacon is not actually salty.

Have airlayered up to 1.5", no problems.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Carol 83]

Cont.
Then I wrap it in aluminum foil to protect it from direct heat.
View attachment 190761
I do the same procedure on the other branches and "Bobs your uncle".
View attachment 190762
Finish just in time for breakfast!
View attachment 190763
Everything I showed you I picked up from other folks posts and from @bonsainut post about air layering. Hopefully I got it right! Get out and try it people. If it works I will get three trees for the price of one! Thanks bnut fam.

Your eggs are way overcooked, the potatoes are pretty pale, and the bacon could be crisper. But, nice documentation on the layer!

 

[AZbonsai]

Your eggs are way overcooked, the potatoes are pretty pale, and the bacon could be crisper. But, nice documentation on the layer!

I will mention your critique to the wife!

 

[Carol 83]

I will mention your critique to the wife!

Oops.

 

[just.wing.it]

Your eggs are way overcooked, the potatoes are pretty pale, and the bacon could be crisper. But, nice documentation on the layer!

Hahaha!
I was gonna say, "put that bacon back on!"
Gotta be a little crispy and crunchy...

I do know 2 people who will order bacon "extra chewy"...
Makes me cringe every time.

Keep us posted on the layers!

 

[AZbonsai]

Hahaha!
I was gonna say, "put that bacon back on!"
Gotta be a little crispy and crunchy...

It is turkey bacon! Thats as crispy as it is going to get. I know...I know. The kids like the turkey bacon. I get the real deal when we go out for breakfast.

 

[Greastart]

Hahaha!
I was gonna say, "put that bacon back on!"
Gotta be a little crispy and crunchy...

I do know 2 people who will order bacon "extra chewy"...
Makes me cringe every time.

Keep us posted on the layers!

I'm one of those "chewy" people...as long as it's got a bit of crisp.

 

[AZbonsai]

Quick update. Seems things are going well. Big time new growth on each limb since the airlayer. I have been told you need to watch out for wilting. Temperatures here pretty good right now so that has been helpful.

 

[AZbonsai]

Couple of months since air layer. Thought I might take a look under the hood. First off pictures above and below the air layers. Real happy with new growth and the tree exploded with flowers (shutting out the little voice in my head that says they always die after they bloom):

Above layer:

Below the layer:

Right side layer. I removed the foil and was happy to see nice healthy roots growing between the tape and foil! I believe this one is ready to take the next step. I did not remove the tape. Did not want to chance destroying the roots.

Left side layer. I did take the plastic bottle off this layer. Had a lot of very fine roots which was good to see. However, I noticed there was a dry spot on the bottom of the layer at the top of the branch. It could be caused by the sun. I think the water I put on it is just flowing through the bottom portion of the layer too freely and this section does not get saturated. Food for thought.

Overall happy with the layers and I believe they are ready to be removed. I would like these two to chime in with your respected opinions @markyscott the guru of the air layer and @milehigh_7 master of the heat. What do you think guys? Is it time? If anyone else has experience or suggestion I would like to hear those as well. Thanks.

 

[markyscott]

Couple of months since air layer. Thought I might take a look under the hood. First off pictures above and below the air layers. Real happy with new growth and the tree exploded with flowers (shutting out the little voice in my head that says they always die after they bloom):
View attachment 199249
Above layer:
View attachment 199250
Below the layer:
View attachment 199251
Right side layer. I removed the foil and was happy to see nice healthy roots growing between the tape and foil! I believe this one is ready to take the next step. I did not remove the tape. Did not want to chance destroying the roots.
View attachment 199254
Left side layer. I did take the plastic bottle off this layer. Had a lot of very fine roots which was good to see. However, I noticed there was a dry spot on the bottom of the layer at the top of the branch. It could be caused by the sun. I think the water I put on it is just flowing through the bottom portion of the layer too freely and this section does not get saturated. Food for thought.
View attachment 199260
Overall happy with the layers and I believe they are ready to be removed. I would like these two to chime in with your respected opinions @markyscott the guru of the air layer and @milehigh_7 master of the heat. What do you think guys? Is it time? If anyone else has experience or suggestion I would like to hear those as well. Thanks.

Hi. I think they look strong and are ready to remove. Go for it!

S

 

[AZbonsai]

Thanks I appreciate your help.

 

[milehigh_7]

@milehigh_7 master of the heat. What do you think guys? Is it time? If anyone else has experience or suggestion I would like to hear those as well. Thanks.

I am ignorant on this. Go with @markyscott's word. I am learning through your work and it looks excellent!

 

[Greastart]

Couple of months since air layer. Thought I might take a look under the hood. First off pictures above and below the air layers. Real happy with new growth and the tree exploded with flowers (shutting out the little voice in my head that says they always die after they bloom):
View attachment 199249
Above layer:
View attachment 199250
Below the layer:
View attachment 199251
Right side layer. I removed the foil and was happy to see nice healthy roots growing between the tape and foil! I believe this one is ready to take the next step. I did not remove the tape. Did not want to chance destroying the roots.
View attachment 199254
Left side layer. I did take the plastic bottle off this layer. Had a lot of very fine roots which was good to see. However, I noticed there was a dry spot on the bottom of the layer at the top of the branch. It could be caused by the sun. I think the water I put on it is just flowing through the bottom portion of the layer too freely and this section does not get saturated. Food for thought.
View attachment 199260
Overall happy with the layers and I believe they are ready to be removed. I would like these two to chime in with your respected opinions @markyscott the guru of the air layer and @milehigh_7 master of the heat. What do you think guys? Is it time? If anyone else has experience or suggestion I would like to hear those as well. Thanks.

Flippin' Awesome. I have yet to get an airlayer to work!

 

[Cypress187]

Flippin' Awesome. I have yet to get an airlayer to work!

I also screwed up some, I think the key is getting the seal correct or to water it, when it dries out it's game over.

 

[Anthony]

@Cypress187 ,

when you put on the plastic wrap, leave the top a little loose,
if this is easily reached.
Then you can water it, as you water the tree.

With Texas Ebony, you get roots in around 6 weeks and
even the white knobs just showing, will root.

I could not say this to AZ as he was trying for the first time.
Better to over do.
Normally our wraps are about 1 and 1/2 inches, and we
do as I suggested above.

Happy to see he was successful!!
Good Day
Anthony