Arakawa air layer sucess

[grizzlywon]

So I just got two Arakawa (we think, even though the nursery owner, a knowledgeable bonsai guy said it was grown from seed) and put 5 air layers on the two. Original post here: http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2227&highlight=rough+bark

I put the air layer on them back on June 6th this year. I checked one the other day and it failed. I think it dried out and killed any chances of rooting.

Today I checked one on the other tree and here is what I found and did with the results.



The bark is already roughing up. It is in pure sifted akadama. It will be put in mostly shade for the next month or so and will be pushing new growth in about 2-3 weeks. At least that is, (Lord willing and if it does as well as my other Japanese Green maples I have done this same thing technique.

I know that most guys tell you to keep air layers on until you get fine roots. I don't disagree with this, I have just found that it is not easy to keep these watered perfectly for more than a few months. Especially if using moss! I use akadama and a cup.

 

[bonsai barry]

You are becoming an expert in propagation. Keep it up and get rich on E-BAY!

 

[grizzlywon]

LOL, your not kidding, this kind of thing would go for some decent cash on Ebay.

 

[grizzlywon]

Update: i just removed layer number two. I also removed another container and found another failed one.

Two things I am learning from this way of doing airlayers. 1. Making sure the container is anchored and not able to rotate is key, otherwise the roots will never be able to form. 2. When ringing the bark, just lightly cutting through the layer of bark is not enough. As in many prorogation books, it is a good idea to cut into the heartwood a little otherwise you might miss some of the cambian layers (it seems to always be on the backside that you can't see). If even a tiny sliver is left, the tree will bridge the gap and not always put out roots.

Oh well, I am 2 for 5 right now with one more to take off tomorrow that i am pretty sure is good to go. So I should end up 3-5, and 5 total trees. Not bad for starting with two trees just a little over a month ago.