Big magnolia air-layer

[Mitchell]

Hey all!

Just removed an air-layer, I have had on a massive old magnolia for 3 months. The trees branches span about 13m and has several trunks about 30cm width. This was one of the upmost branches, about 10m up. The layering was standard, except I wrapped it in a plastic bag with an opening on the underside of the branch, as to collect all rain water into the bag which kept the air-layer moist for me. I often noticed, the bag containing over a litre of water after rain.
I also added water crystals to the soil / spagnum mix.

The branch is over 1.8m tall and has a width at base of only 6cm.

It was most probably more an experiment, than an attempt at collecting good bonsai stock.

Not sure where it could go, possible chop it right down to about 90cm high. I don't think it will ever make good bonsai, but I was impressed at the scale of the layer.


Any thoughts?

[nealweb]

Wow that is an impressive layer! Tha trunk has such great movement and character, with the lichens, maybe it could make a nice large sized bonsai. Or else you have a new magnolia for the garden
Well done.

[IS2SXC]

damnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!

i wanted a magnolia bonsai

[craigw60]

Hi Mitchell, you have inspired me. I have some big old magnolias in my garden. Could you give some details with regards to techniques and seasons ?
With thanks from Craig

[nealweb]

Do you think that you will need to take it down a bit anyway as it only has a small new root system? Can the new roots sustain so much on top? How about even coming down to the first branches and then tipping it to the left for a semi cascade???

[Mitchell]

Craig, it was a standard ring barking, application of hormone and wrapped in spag and soil. Nothing special. It was applied in february and kept moist from rain fall.

Neal, I do not believe they roots could sustain it, but leaves have already started dropping so perhaps. I never intended of using the top half, so a chop done was always on the adjenda.
I was thinking along the cascade lines also.


Thanks for your comments people.

[Jamie]

i think with the movement in the trunk and using one of the two lowest branches, literati would be the way to go

[Mitchell]

Chopped the top portion off. Put some compression into the branch left. It has flower buds all over it, not sure if I should let it bloom or not. Would love to see it though, they'll be massive flowers so I think it will look unusually bad.

[Amanda]

Ya know I'd love to see this in flower