Larix progression over six weeks.

[stymie]

I put this into a bonsai pot for the first time on 15th February before any sign of new growth had appeared. I feel that it would eventually look better with a shorter trunk.

re-potted Larix.jpg

Today on 5th April, the needles are well out and I will attempt an air layer to shorten the trunk using the wire loop constriction method rather than ringing the bark in the usual fashion. The plastic pot was split down one side and a hole cut in the bottom to go around the trunk. This is to create a support for a second pot which will hold the layer.

Larix needled and propped.jpg

A double loop of wire is tightened onto the trunk at the point where I wish roots to form. Meanwhile some Sphagnum moss is soaked in water to which I added a couple of drops of 'Superthrive'. I use aluminium wire because I have discovered that copper has a slight inhibiting factor on root growth. I noticed this after using copper to anchor mesh over the drainage holes in pots.

Larix constricted.jpg

A light brushing of Clonex root hormone is applied to the wired area. A second split pot is placed right way up on top of the first and the soaked Sphagnum packed into it to slightly above the wire loops. The coarse mesh is placed over this to discourage birds from picking the Sphagnum out.

Larix layer meshed.jpg

Now it goes back outside to grow those new roots. I used the wire instead of the usual ring barking method because it causes the base of the trunk to swell and the root flair is usually better. Okay, it will take longer but I am quite prepared to leave the layer on over next winter if necessary. The open pot will be watered along with everything else because it is not watertight like a plastic wrapped layer and will dry out normally.

Larix ready for outside.jpg

[Marc]

Good luck Stymie, i hope it works fine. Very nice tree. I've never air layered before and am keen to read as much as possible to try one day.

I'll be keen to follow uo with great interest.

[anttal63]

thanks very much for this progression don. i too have a larch that may need a layer. have you had success on a larch with this method previously. how long did it take or do you invisage it to take?

[Steven]

Excellent tutorial Don, thanks for sharing your work! I'm really keen to see how long it takes to root.
Regards,
Steven

[stymie]

thanks very much for this progression don. i too have a larch that may need a layer. have you had success on a larch with this method previously. how long did it take or do you invisage it to take?

I have not air-layered a trunk before on a reasonably sized Larch like this one. I believe that the wire stricture is the favoured method for the variety. Everything grows a little slower here than in Oz so I am prepared to leave the layer on for as long as it takes even if it means over winter. (Its spring here) As the tree stands, it isn't unsightly and I'm sure that the appearance will be improved by shortening the trunk. When it is removed from the parent plant, I envisage a reduction in the upper half to give the new roots less to support. Meanwhile I leave as much foliage as possible on to use the suns power.

[anttal63]

sounds like a plan don thanks for the reply.

[stymie]

After nearly two weeks back outside, the needles are still growing. I hope that the bark is swelling around the wires. I don't usually feed my trees a great amount but will give this a modicum of sustenance and keep the medium moist. The wire will dig in progressively and hopefully this is where roots will form. I'll come back when there is anything to report. =Don

[kcpoole]

Nice Tut Don, and I think the tree will be improved immensely by doing this
Good luck and keep us updated

Ken

[Pup]

G, day Don is that the best beer you have on offer I might give it miss then. I thought I might get a Newcasle brown. Better still a Kilkenny. COLD though.
It is too hot here in Western Australia for Larix to go dormant. Which is a great pity plus yew do not grow well here.
I like your tutorial it is helpful not just for Larch, it does work for other tree's and because we have longer growing seasons here.
It will be quicker I have tried it on an Oak it worked well .Pup