What Is Air Layering?
Video Demonstration At The Bottom Of The Article.
Air layering is a method of plant propagation that involves creating a wound or incision on a branch of a tree or shrub, and then wrapping the wound with a damp, moss-like material. The moss is then covered with plastic or aluminium foil to create a humid environment that encourages the growth of roots. Once roots have formed, the newly rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted as a separate, independent plant. This method is commonly used for bonsai trees as it allows for the creation of new trees with specific characteristics, such as thickness of the trunk, branch structure and foliage density.
Benefits of air layering for bonsai trees
Air layering is a popular method of propagation for bonsai trees because it offers several benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Greater control over the characteristics of the new tree: Air layering allows the bonsai enthusiast to select a specific branch or section of the tree to propagate, giving them greater control over the final characteristics of the new tree.
- Faster propagation: Air layering allows for faster propagation than other methods such as seed germination or grafting.
- Root development: Air layering can promote the development of strong, healthy roots which are vital for the health and longevity of bonsai trees. This also allows you to create a better Nebari which is a prized feature of bonsai trees.
- Ability to propagate hard-to-root species: Some species of bonsai trees are difficult to root through other methods, but air layering can be an effective way to propagate them.
- Creating clones: Air layering can also be used to create exact clones of a bonsai tree, preserving its unique features and characteristics.
- Creating thicker trunks: Air layering can be used to create thicker trunks on bonsai trees, which can improve their overall appearance and make them more suitable for certain styles of bonsai.
- Maintaining the age of the tree: Air layering allows you to maintain the age of the tree, which is an important aspect of bonsai.
Overall, air layering is a versatile and effective method of propagation that can be used to create new bonsai trees with specific characteristics and promote the development of strong, healthy roots.
Materials needed for air layering
Air layering requires a few specific materials in order to be successful. The materials needed for air layering bonsai trees include:
- A sharp knife or Air Layering Scissors: This is used to make a clean cut on the branch that will be air layered. You can use a sharp grafting knife or a special designed air layering tool.
- Sphagnum moss or other rooting medium: This is used to wrap the cut area and promote root growth. Sphagnum moss is preferred because of its water-holding capacity.
- Plastic wrap and aluminum foil: This is used to cover the moss and create a humid environment that encourages root growth, The foil helps protect new fleshy roots from the sun.
- Raffia or garden twine: Raffia is used to secure the plastic wrap or aluminium foil in place.
- A plastic bag or clear plastic container (optional): This can be used to cover the moss and keep it moist.
- Potting soil and a container: Once roots have formed, the new bonsai tree will need to be potted in soil and placed in a container.
- Rooting hormone : A rooting hormone can be used to increase the chances of successful rooting.
It's important to note that all the materials used should be clean and free of pathogens to avoid contamination. Additionally, the tree should be in good health and in the right season for air layering depending on the species.
Preparing A Bonsai Tree For Air Layering
Identifying the appropriate branch for air layering is an important step in the process. When selecting a branch for air layering, consider the following factors:
- Age of the branch: The branch should be at least one year old, as younger branches may not have enough stored energy to support root growth.
- Size of the branch: The branch should be thick enough to support new root growth, but not so thick that it will be difficult to wrap with moss.
- Location of the branch: The branch should be located in an area that receives adequate sunlight and air circulation. Branches located in shaded areas or with poor air circulation may not be suitable for air layering.
- Health of the branch: The branch should be healthy and free of pests or diseases. Branches that are diseased or infested with pests may not be suitable for air layering.
- Species of the tree: Some species of bonsai trees are easier to air layer than others. Research the specific species of tree you are working with to ensure that it is suitable for air layering.
Once you have identified a suitable branch, make a clean cut on the branch, removing leaves and bark from the cut area. This allows the rooting hormone and moss to come into direct contact with the cambium layer (active growing layer) of the tree, increasing the chances of successful rooting.
Making a clean cut on the branch is an important step in the air layering process. A clean cut will help to promote healthy root growth and reduce the risk of disease or infection. To make a clean cut:
- Use a sharp knife or Air Layer Tool to make a clean, straight cut on the branch.
- Make the cut at a slight angle, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a leaf node (the point where leaves grow out of the branch).
- Cut away the bark and leaves from the cut area. This will expose the cambium layer (the active growing layer of the tree) and allow the rooting hormone and moss to come into direct contact with it.
- If you are using a rooting hormone, it is recommended to apply it on the exposed cambium layer before wrapping it with moss.
It's important to be precise and clean when making the cut to avoid damaging the branch. The cut should be deep enough to reach the cambium layer, but not so deep that it will kill the branch.
The above steps are the basic steps of making a clean cut on the branch, but depending on the species of the tree, the size of the branch, and the type of cut you want to make, you may want to make additional cuts or modifications to the branch before wrapping it with moss.
Removing leaves and bark from the cut area is an important step in the air layering process, as it allows the rooting hormone and moss to come into direct contact with the cambium layer (the active growing layer of the tree) and increases the chances of successful rooting.
To remove leaves and bark from the cut area, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to carefully cut away the bark and leaves from the branch, exposing the cambium layer. Be sure to make the cut at a slight angle, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a leaf node (the point where leaves grow out of the branch).
It's important to be precise and clean when removing the bark and leaves, as any damage to the cambium layer can reduce the chances of successful rooting. Be sure to remove all the leaves and bark from the cut area and also to remove any small twigs or branches that may be growing out of the area to be layered.
Once the cambium layer is exposed, you can apply rooting hormone to the cut area if you choose to do so. This hormone will encourage the development of roots. Then the moss should be wrapped around the cut area and secured with plastic wrap and aluminium foil.
Keep in mind that the timing of this step is also important, as certain species of trees have to be air layered during specific times of the year.
Creating The Air Layer
Wrapping the cut area with sphagnum moss is an important step in the air layering process, as it helps to promote root growth and keep the cut area moist. To wrap the cut area with sphagnum moss, follow these steps:
- Soak the sphagnum moss in water until it is saturated and begins to feel cool to the touch.
- Carefully squeeze out excess water from the moss, making sure that it is still moist but not dripping wet.
- Place the moss around the cut area, making sure that the cut area is completely covered and that the moss is in direct contact with the cambium layer.
- Securing the moss with plastic wrap and aluminium foil is an important step in the air layering process, as it helps to keep the moss in place and create a humid environment that encourages root growth.
Once the moss is wrapped around the cut area, use plastic wrap and aluminium foil to cover it. The wrap should be tightly wrapped around the moss, making sure that the moss is completely covered and that no air can enter. The wrap should be secured in place with raffia or garden twine.
When using plastic wrap, make sure to use clear plastic wrap to keep an eye on the moss and the process of root development. Additionally, it's important to poke some holes on the plastic wrap to allow for air circulation, as excess moisture can lead to mold or other problems.
Aluminium foil is used on the outside of the plastic wrap to prevent too much sunlight getting to the new roots which can damage them, the foil can be periodically removed to check the root growth.
The wrap helps to create a humid environment that encourages root growth. It also keeps the moss moist and prevents it from drying out. This step is important to ensure that the moss stays in place and does not fall off the branch.
Once roots have formed, the new bonsai tree will need to be potted in soil and placed in a container, and then can be treated as a mature bonsai.
Keeping the moss moist is an important step in the air layering process, as it helps to promote root growth and ensure the success of the air layering. The moss should be kept moist at all times, but not too wet.
Here are a few ways to keep the moss moist:
- Watering: Water the moss regularly, making sure that it is always moist but not soaking wet. The moss should be kept consistently moist but not overly wet.
- Mist spraying: Mist the moss and foliage with water regularly, especially on hot or dry days. This will help to keep the moss moist and prevent it from drying out and will also slow transpiration of the foliage.
- Plastic bag or clear plastic container: Cover the moss with a plastic bag or clear plastic container to create a humid environment and keep the moss moist. This is especially effective when the moss is wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminium foil.
- Check the moss regularly: Check the moss regularly to ensure that it is not dry. If the moss is dry, water it or mist it with water immediately.
It's important to keep the moss moist at all times, as dry moss will not be able to support root growth. Also, a moss that is too wet can lead to mold and other problems. Once roots have formed, the new bonsai tree will need to be potted in soil and placed in a container, and then can be treated as a mature bonsai.
Root Development and Separating the Air Layer
Monitoring the development of roots is an important step in the air layering process, as it helps to ensure that the air layering is successful and that the new bonsai tree is ready to be potted in soil.
Here are a few ways to monitor the development of roots:
- Check the moss regularly: Check the moss regularly to ensure that it is moist and that no mold is present. If the moss is dry, water it or mist it with water immediately.
- Check for root development: Check for root development by gently pulling back aluminium foil. Look for small white or light-coloured roots growing from the cut area.
- Wait for the right time: Depending on the species of the tree, the size of the branch, and the time of year, the roots may take a few weeks or several months to develop. It's important to be patient and wait for the roots to develop fully before potting the new bonsai tree.
Once roots have formed, the new bonsai tree will be ready to be potted in soil and placed in a container, and then can be treated as a mature bonsai. It is important to note that the air layering process is not guaranteed success and it can fail, but with proper care, attention, and patience, it can yield great results.
Separating the air layer from the parent plant is the final step in the air layering process. It is important to make sure that the roots have fully developed and that the new bonsai tree is ready to be potted in soil.
Here are the steps to separate the air layer from the parent plant:
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap and aluminium foil and the moss from around the cut area. Be careful not to damage the roots on the new bonsai tree.
- Gently tease out the roots from the moss and the surrounding soil. Make sure that the roots are well developed and that they are not too tangled.
- Use a sharp, clean folding saw to cut the new bonsai tree away from the parent plant, as close to the base of the new bonsai tree as possible. You may need to also use root cutters or knob cutters to cut more of the remaining stem away up in the middle of the root ball.
- Pot the new bonsai tree in a container filled with bonsai soil. Make sure that the soil is well drained and that the new bonsai tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the parent plant.
- Water the new bonsai tree well and place it in a location with the appropriate lighting and temperature for the species.
The new bonsai tree will need time to adjust to its new environment and to establish itself in its new container. It is important to provide it with proper care and attention, as well as monitoring it's progress. Once the new bonsai tree is established, it can be trained and shaped into a beautiful bonsai.
Care And Maintenance Of A Separated Air Layer
Watering and fertilizing the new bonsai is an important step in the process of establishing the air layered bonsai in its new container. Proper watering and fertilizing will help the new bonsai tree to adjust to its new environment and establish itself in its new container.
Here are a few tips for watering and fertilizing the new bonsai:
- Watering: Water the new bonsai tree well immediately after planting it in its new container. Water it again the next day to ensure that the soil is thoroughly moist. After that, water the bonsai when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's important not to over-water the bonsai, as over-watering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize the new bonsai tree with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, according to the package instructions. It's important not to over-fertilize the bonsai, as over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn.
- Light: Place the new bonsai in a location with the appropriate lighting for the species. Most bonsai trees prefer bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Keep the new bonsai in an area with the appropriate temperature for the species.
It's important to monitor the new bonsai tree closely in the first few weeks after planting it in its new container, to ensure that it is adjusting well and that it is getting the proper care and attention it needs.
Once the new bonsai tree is established, it can be trained and shaped into a beautiful bonsai.
Conclusion
Air layering is a technique used to propagate bonsai trees by encouraging roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. There are several benefits of air layering for bonsai trees, including:
- Faster growth: Air layering allows bonsai trees to grow more quickly than they would if they were grown from seed.
- Cloning: Air layering allows bonsai enthusiasts to clone their favorite bonsai trees, creating exact copies that have the same characteristics and qualities as the parent plant.
- Root development: Air layering allows bonsai enthusiasts to control the development of roots on a bonsai tree, which is important for the overall health and growth of the tree.
- Creating new bonsai: Air layering allows bonsai enthusiasts to create new bonsai trees from mature trees, which can save time and effort compared to growing bonsai from seed.
- Variety: Air layering allows bonsai enthusiasts to propagate many different types of bonsai trees, adding variety to their collection.
It is important to note that air layering can be a bit challenging and require a bit of patience, but the results can be rewarding and allow for new bonsai creations.
Here is a video which will show a visual demonstration of Air Layering from our Youtube Channel
