Air-layering a Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)

[Japh]

I've always loved my parents' cherry plum tree from my childhood backyard, and I think it would make a beautiful bonsai. So I've been eyeing off some branches for giving air-layering a try, and would love some feedback on how to go about this.

So here is the tree in question:

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It's been there for quite some time, so I can't even remember whether I was alive when it was planted or if it was already there:

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The back of the tree seems an obvious place to steal branches from:

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A little closer in, you can see how green some of the smaller branches/shoots are. The larger one coming out of the top-right of the chopped branch is the one I've been thinking has a nice shape...

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So, should I be going for the larger branch or a smaller, greener, shoot? I plan to do 2, just in case one fails, and if both succeed then Jordy gets a freebie too
When should I start the process and how long do you expect it might take? From reading around, mid-Spring seems a good time to start (so in about a month) and it could take about 3 months? But I'm really only guessing, as I've not seen this precise tree done before.

Also, what medium is best to use? Would a nice big clump of sphagnum moss be suitable or should I use a mixture or...?

Looking forward to hearing from you all, I apologise for the quality of the photos, my iphone's camera isn't super great. Also, if I've posted this in the wrong place (as it's not a native) then I apologise for that too, but I couldn't see a more suitable place than "Propagation".

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi,

I have never done a cherry before, so I cannot comment on its timing and success rate. But
I have done a black pine and several maples. Please find some of the post on air-layering:

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=317
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=1754

I am planning to do a trident maple this weekend too.

You might like to do a search on "layering" across a forums for other posts too

Please keep us posted of your results -- regardless of the outcome.

Best regard Japh.

[Japh]

Yes, I've read all those (possible ALL?) layering posts on the forum. I posted this for specific advise regarding timing etc. on a cherry plum and of this age, and also for people's opinions about which branches to select etc.

Thanks anyway.

[kcpoole]

Check out Fly's great post on Layereing here viewtopic.php?f=9&t=553
and also this one on the process as well https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/airlayer.htm

There are 2 methods to layering but both start the same way,
the first is, as fly describes, put you mix in a pot tied around the tree, and this must be kept moist by daily watering.
The other way is to wrap the entire layer in Glad wrap to seal it. this way you do not have to water it and is good for sites where you cannot provide daily care

ps the tree looks nice. I would but on several if you can, One on the branch you did a lose up on so you get the nice bend and Taper where it has been cut before.
Place your layer on an angle across the branch, so that when you take it off and pot up, the roots are level across the pot, but the trunk comes out at an angle to the soil and roots to provide interest in the lower trunk

Ken

[Petra]

hi Japh,
Thats all ive been doing for the past 2 weeks.Though its said that an areal layering can be done at any time of the year, doesnt mean everything though. The weather is diffrent here also. Ive done diffrent fruit trees & others. But im experimenting as well. My Layers have started with 3" trunks down to 1". An apricot i did middle of winter already has calloused and showing signs of roots. I havnt used a mixture of soil and spagnum moss.I just used spagnum moss on its own,some i choped to smaller pieces since i learnt the roots will tangle in it. Cut down one side of a flower pot and a circle from the bottom to fit the trunk. After placing hormone gel around edge of the bark .I then duct taped the sides of the pot together & put in the spagnum moss. Used a shoping bag to wrap around the pot tying both ends, like a big lollie .
It may be too late to do your plum, i think i read wait till the leaves have grown not sure though. some one is sure to put you in the right direction on that one . Hope i have helped on part of your question. Good luck Petra!

[Japh]

Thanks Ken, I have read those too, but will read over them again now that I'm actually going to be doing it.

Thanks Petra too, for the specifics, your photos on your layering thread were good too.

I might try and get to it this week, unless you guys think I've missed the boat? Also, I was wondering, what ultimately is the difference between air-layering and just taking a cutting? I mean, if the flow of nutrients is severed either way...

[Petra]

Japh,
nutrients and water still flow through the xylem or sapwood, thus keeping the branch alive. Its hard for me to go into such fine detail but if you log on to http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATPhysiology.html
there is a explanatory section and a diagram of the roots, tree trunk and branch. It is the best article ive read on tree anatomy. So check it out. just type in plant and tree Physiology there is about 4 pages worth reading. see how ya go.
Petra!

[Japh]

Ah ha! Thanks, Petra! I couldn't work out the benefit of leaving the branch connected if all flow of nutrients was severed either way. So basically, it's not so much severed, as severly diminished in an air-layering situation.

If there are enough good candidate branches, perhaps I could do two of each propagation method and see which works best!