A tree I've had for a few years, and I liked it to begin with but the idea of a much shorter tree, with its 3 large, already gnarly looking primary branches and very strong base, was too strong to ignore. So I decided to air layer this tree, as the top is not bad and has good age, and interest. So, why not. It just delays working on the main tree, but I am not so serious about Bonsai anymore, I can afford the time.
To begin with, I cut a few long branches from the top of the layer, as It seemed a good idea to balance it a bit more, not let it run wild whilst the layer is on.
I used a water soluble pen to do an outline of where I want to cut.
I used a small, very blunt knife (cos I keep not sharpening it) to cut the 2 lines, then start to peel it back. The bark was quite soft, perhaps good time of year for it.
I powdered on some root hormone. I hear it works, I hear it don't work.. Just like Kyonal cut paste, It makes me feel better so I did it. Used a small black pot, cut a ring out of the bottom roughly the diameter of the trunk and cut the top off as it was a bit big, then cut down through to the bottom. It fit around the trunk amazingly well. Bit of tape to hold it together, and I have my pot.
I want it secure and fairly tight. I used sphagnum moss for this. Many other options. I actually referred to Bonsai Nuts old thread, as to what to use, given that most people use most things.
www.bonsainut.com
I wanted to pack the moss in fairly tight so it had full contact with the trunk and where the roots would form. I sprayed with a water bottle, as I went to help manipulate the moss as it was dry. The water did drip through the bottom, which is good. I did not seal it with anything, as I want drainage.
Finally, I cut a strip from a black bag which currently has a load of failing Beni Chidori cuttings in (ill never get one to root.. it just wont happen but cost me nothing to try), and some tap to form a top to it. I did read to use foil but I just wasn't so sure about it as in the direct sun, it would heat up the inside. Given the main reason for using the foil is reflect light away and not allow light inside to harm roots, I used black instead. Its fairly loose around the top, so I can close it, so it doesnt stay too wet, and open it for air flow and to water it.
Given its a Field Elm, and they do well in our climate, and this tree has not been repotted in a few years, its always got tons of energy, I would hope it should produce good roots in about 2 months. So we will see. I am feeling good about it, although I am by far not experienced with air layers.
Let me know if you've any thoughts, or suggestions as to something I should change.
To begin with, I cut a few long branches from the top of the layer, as It seemed a good idea to balance it a bit more, not let it run wild whilst the layer is on.
I used a water soluble pen to do an outline of where I want to cut.
I used a small, very blunt knife (cos I keep not sharpening it) to cut the 2 lines, then start to peel it back. The bark was quite soft, perhaps good time of year for it.
I powdered on some root hormone. I hear it works, I hear it don't work.. Just like Kyonal cut paste, It makes me feel better so I did it. Used a small black pot, cut a ring out of the bottom roughly the diameter of the trunk and cut the top off as it was a bit big, then cut down through to the bottom. It fit around the trunk amazingly well. Bit of tape to hold it together, and I have my pot.
I want it secure and fairly tight. I used sphagnum moss for this. Many other options. I actually referred to Bonsai Nuts old thread, as to what to use, given that most people use most things.
The science of air-layering
Because of the number of questions regarding air-layering on the site, I have attempted to pull together an overview of the science behind air-layering which will directly lead to a list of "best practices" and "frequently asked questions". I am going to try to keep the science really simple...
I wanted to pack the moss in fairly tight so it had full contact with the trunk and where the roots would form. I sprayed with a water bottle, as I went to help manipulate the moss as it was dry. The water did drip through the bottom, which is good. I did not seal it with anything, as I want drainage.
Finally, I cut a strip from a black bag which currently has a load of failing Beni Chidori cuttings in (ill never get one to root.. it just wont happen but cost me nothing to try), and some tap to form a top to it. I did read to use foil but I just wasn't so sure about it as in the direct sun, it would heat up the inside. Given the main reason for using the foil is reflect light away and not allow light inside to harm roots, I used black instead. Its fairly loose around the top, so I can close it, so it doesnt stay too wet, and open it for air flow and to water it.
Given its a Field Elm, and they do well in our climate, and this tree has not been repotted in a few years, its always got tons of energy, I would hope it should produce good roots in about 2 months. So we will see. I am feeling good about it, although I am by far not experienced with air layers.
Let me know if you've any thoughts, or suggestions as to something I should change.
