Species ID for an air layer

bonsai_beginner · September 28th, 2015, 2:55 pm

Hey everyone, we have these two trees in our backyard that have lovely bark and I was wanting to air layer some thicker branches off them. However I don't really know the species and I'd want to make sure they can be done properly before attempting them. Here are some photos, an ID and any advice on air layering these species would be greatly appreciated.

tree 1

tree 2

tree 2 (are they aerial roots?)

tree 2

Thanks
DK

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shibui · Post by **shibui** » September 28th, 2015, 5:42 pm

Even without the flowers the aerial roots are a dead giveaway. It is New Zealand Christmas tree AKA Pohutakawa - Metrosideros excelsa.
The aerial roots mean that it should be easy to layer. Just use any standard layering technique and now should be a great time to start.

bonsai_beginner · September 28th, 2015, 6:04 pm

Thank you very much
I'd love to start air layering them as soon as possible, but first, I have to get permission from the parents haha

Thanks again

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bonsai_beginner · Post by **bonsai_beginner** » October 8th, 2015, 5:42 pm

I decided to give it a go and air layer it. I'm using sphagnum moss soaked in seasol, I've added rooting hormones to the inner wood after stripping the bark back.
I then used a plastic cup as a pot, and stuffed it with sphagnum moss.

Hopefully I get some nice roots in 6-8 weeks!

I used the foil to cover the top because I was told that it is best to try and keep it in the dark.

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fredman · Post by **fredman** » October 8th, 2015, 7:01 pm

Thought i'll put some pics up of them in their natural growth habit. Something for you to aim at...

bonsai_beginner · Post by **bonsai_beginner** » October 8th, 2015, 7:09 pm

Wow! Very nice
Thank you

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fredman · Post by **fredman** » October 8th, 2015, 7:22 pm

Some more. They always branch low down in the wild..

bonsai_beginner · Post by **bonsai_beginner** » October 8th, 2015, 7:56 pm

That could be very very helpful haha

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milly.abrahams · Post by **milly.abrahams** » October 8th, 2015, 8:12 pm

I don't know how true it is, but I've been told they root from truncheon cuttings.

Can anyone confirm this?

shibui · Post by **shibui** » October 8th, 2015, 8:39 pm

The way they throw aerial roots I would not be surprised Milly but have not tried so cannot actually confirm this. Certainly worth a try.

fredman · Post by **fredman** » November 29th, 2015, 8:52 pm

Thought i'll throw this on to...

http://bonsaiplace.net/2015/11/29/pohutukawa-as-bonsai/

AusBonsai