Air layering is a method of
plant propagation. The general idea behind
air layering is to get a plant stem to produce
roots, then to cut the
stem below the roots and plant it in
soil. The cut stem on the original plant will then produce new branches at the site of the cut.
Air layering is appropriate for almost all woody plants.
Air layering accomplishes two things:
- it produces ready-to-be-potted plants and,
- helps create branches on the existing plant
This is a very effective method of propagating plants. The area where roots are being formed recieve plenty of
nutrients because the entire plant is well established and
mature.
HOW TO: Choose a healthy branch no bigger around than your thumb. Using a sterile knife or razor blade, cut into and upwards along the plant stem. The cut should go about 1/3 of the way through the branch and be about 1" long, vertically. The flap created should be propped open with a toothpick and rooting hormone (such as RootOne, available almost anywhere plants are sold) should be placed inside the cut. Wrap the cut in moist sphagnum moss. surround the moss with clear plastic (i cut up ziplock baggies) and tape it to form a compact ball on the branch that keeps in the moisture (if you don't see condensation on the inside of the bag, open it and mist the moss). Within a few weeks or months you will see roots growing through the moss. Then cut the branch 1" - 2" below the new roots and pot it in a soil mixture appropriate to the plant. The remaining stem will most likely form new branches.
APPROPRIATE PLANTS FOR AIR-LAYERING: