Air layer a Trident...

[fredman]

I read here some time ago that the Trident is difficult to air layer. Silly of me. I heard it once and from there on just accepted it. Everytime I looked at it I saw it as a "difficult to layer specie"...
It did worry me for it doesn't really make sense..... its such a vigorous grower. Anyway I tried one last season and it failed. That really got me thinking, and has since discussed it with two highly regarded bonsaists, that has extensive horticulture knowledge.

The main message I took from the first guy, was that a layer needs only two things for it to survive and grow roots..... Moisture and Oxygen. Sounds simple but to much or two little of both leads to a failure.
The second guy when asked how readily a Trident layers, gave some very interesting information that got me excited and wanting to share with you.This is his response ....

"Very easy. I regularly layer the plant off just above the root system if the roots are going to need a lot of work. If you don't want to use sphagnum moss, you can cut a plastic pot so it fits around the branch or trunk and use soil. You can girdle the tree or use a tourniquet. Also, you can hasten the layering process by pretreating with etiolation (exclusion of light) via 'banding'.

To do this, begin 3 weeks ahead of beginning the layer

* For layers that employ girdling - take note of where you want the roots to appear

* Sprinkle some IBA talc on a flat surface you can dispose of and press the sticky side of black electrical tape in the talc, then tap off the excess. the length of treated tape should equal the branch/stem's circumference and the tape should be long enough to wrap 3 times around the branch

* Wrap the branch and secure the tape so it won't peel off.

* Wait 3 weeks, then girdle below the tape, remove the tape, and start the layer. Works great on hard to root species, and you'll get many more roots than you would with a traditional layer, faster.

The synthetic auxin stimulates dedifferention and redifferentiation of tissues in the cambium, and the etiolation/banding promotes the formation of root primordia. It works for ground layering, air layering and stooling. You can use a Velcro band instead of the electrical tape, too. Very often, you'll find root initials (next step after primordia or even roots under the bands).

If you use the tourniquet technique, you'll need to think further ahead. Apply the tourniquet in the grow season before the layer is set. That way, it will block the polar flow of natural auxins and photosynthate immediately above the tourniquet, making that area appear to be begging to be layered".

I would really like to know your personal experience with layering Tridents. Do you find them easy or hard?

[Luke308]

I have found these very easy to layer - unlike liquid ambar. I have had 100% of the 3 tridents I have layered thus far.

[shibui]

Tridents are very easy to air layer here. I would never go to all that trouble - just cut the bark, treat with rooting hormone and provide somewhere for the roots to grow then stand back and wait.