Air Layering Callistemon

[Webos]

Anyone experienced in air layering Callistemons?

Any success? What time of year? Mine is out on the nature strip. I want to get rid of it, but I want to get whatever I can out of it before I give it the chop.

Any advice would be very welcome

[bodhidharma]

Cant help Webos, i have never done one. I cannot see why you couldnt. The question i would ask is,, if it has to go why dont you dig it up wholus bolus.

[Webos]

It's big....real big...I thought I'd get what I can out of it before I dig it up.

[Petra]

Hi Webo, It can be done any time and now is good, i have done 5 callistemon layerings in late August. Have rechecked today and they have calloused up and some even have small roots showing. It hasnt been very hot here, 22 / max . So give it ago, these are my firsts also. They may take longer to develope, being aus natives. Hopefully someone else can advise you better.Cheers!

[Pup]

I have never air layered one either, but I have inarch grafted also I have taken cuttings of 4cm with success.

How big is big the one in the National collection has a trunk of 12-14 Cm's which was dug then cut down to a manageable size.
Just a thought, by the way it was in full flower at the time.

Pup

[ozzy]

I have taken cuttings of 4cm with success.


Pup

Is that 4cm thick or 4 cm long.

[Pup]

I have taken cuttings of 4cm with success.


Pup

Is that 4cm thick or 4 cm long.

Thick 15cm long

[ozzy]

Thats awesome ... well done, could get a good head start with a cutting that thick.

[Pup]

This is the cutting today Ozzy

P1070831.JPG

P1070832.JPG

P1070833.JPG

P1070834.JPG

The reason for taking these cuttings, is that Callistemons are apical dominant and if you do not keep it under control you will lose taper and form.
So if you have to take it off why not try to grow it. This is one I have another it is growing, but the roots appear weak.
Sorry for the hi jack Pup