Air-Layering /공중 취목

I happened to see the videos of air laying. It inspired me to do that. Later I also found a rooting ball from Amazon to try out. Aliexpress sells cheaper.

I did first try in May21.

 

On July 31, 24, I found some rooting ball that made that branch lead to death.  I failed one and may be successful (visible roots formed) in one from Ficus Moclame because this rooting ball is transparent. Almost the same time, the same species but maybe the difference in how much I cut the branch or the place it grows may decide the different fate. 

When I checked, the above photo, the conifer in the pot also looked failed and the rose of Sharon also dropped the leaves. 

 

Aug 2, 2024, Ficus Moclame airlayer is obviously successful with a clear rooting ball. However, the Ficus Benjamine is not successful but has not failed yet. let's wait for more days. 

 

Sep, 2024 Original Moclame got some top brown and dropping leaves. I think after I cut the branch, it got some infection through. 

 

Sep 20. 2024- the weather kept changing and some outside air-layering plants failed, turning dried and yellowed branches. So I decided to cut and open to check. 

 

Sep 27, 2024, I am sure the original Ficus Moclame was infected with a tree that cannot heal. I should make sure when I cut a healthy branch, to cover the wounds with a sealer to prevent infection in the future. 

 

I did 12 outdoor air-layering tried. 1 was completely dried out. also, I should be careful when I cut underneath. 2nd photo, the cedar tree air-layering root was broken when I cut it. some branches were not successful because I cut them our too thin, it healed which cannot develop roots. 

 

I may say 65-70% successful to propagate with rooting ball. I was surprised that even thick apple branches can get roots by air layering. 

Also, it is better to apply some sealer for the cutting spots.