Newbie wanting help?

[Bush bunny]

Ken I don't take any of your judgements, lightly, if contrary to mine. But you are an expert, I am not, and I wouldn't air layer it, but then - I've tried once and it was a disaster. Luckily it was only a root sprout? I bow to your knowledge. I am not a person who takes offence if someone disagrees with me. I want to learn and apply superior knowledge to my own and my own confidence in an action. So keep it up Sire (Olde English, not paternity, LOL)

PS. I admit I am data rich, but practical experience poor, but I am learning by listening to experts and also by my mistakes.

[kcpoole]

But you are an expert,

Thanks for the compliment, but hardly an expert
Just been around the block a few times and learnt the hard way.
After doing a few demos, and watching the reponses I find that most people a very reticent to have a go themselves. The only way to avoid that is to get some good advice and tips and have the confidence to jump in and try.

Ken

[kcpoole]

I think I have all the items needed for a basic air layering -
Sharp knife
Root hormone powder
sphagnum moss
cling wrap
tape
Have I missed anything?

Cheers

An extra pair of hands will be useful too but your list is pretty much feature complete

Ken

[Ray M]

Appreciate all the advice from everyone, Ray I wish you posted this morning because I did take it out of the pot to have a gander. Common sense should of kicked in with the knife tip but I eventually persuaded it with a lot of gentle side to side wiggles. I will put it into a bigger pot which leaves me to more reading about what potting medium to use? The mix for Figs needs to be a very open mix. To my normal mix I add Yates Orchid Potting Mix. I use a 50/50 ratio.
Anyway it seems the consensus is some air layering is needed. I have been reading a lot of articles, threads, and youtube how to's and feel confident in giving it a crack. It looks fun and I accept the challenge. I will take Ken's advice and test run on a branch first. I think I have all the items needed for a basic air layering -
Sharp knife
Root hormone powder I use two hormones. Yates Plant Cutting Powder and Yates Clonex Purple
sphagnum moss The sphagnum moss is soaked in Seasol before use
cling wrap I use Glad Snap Lock bags. The material they are made from is very durable for layering
tape
Have I missed anything?

Cheers

Regards Ray

[Bush bunny]

Some actually also wrap the plastic with black plastic or foil, to keep the sun out. There are different ways to either complete removal of the bark past the cambium layer, or tornicay.(Have I spelled that right?) so the bark is left in strips, but lifted away so it can't heal itself, and the sphags etc., placed over it. Anyway there's plenty of info on the internet. Let us know how you go with it. Nothing tried, nothing gained. Or the olde Chinese saying. "Man afraid to step forward, stays in the same place." LOL.

[whitey]

The mix for Figs needs to be a very open mix. To my normal mix I add Yates Orchid Potting Mix. I use a 50/50 ratio.

In regards to potting medium I just want something that’s easy and simple for now, I was thinking just a diatomite/zeolite mix, would that do the job keeping in mind of the air layering it will be put through?

[Ray M]

The mix for Figs needs to be a very open mix. To my normal mix I add Yates Orchid Potting Mix. I use a 50/50 ratio.

In regards to potting medium I just want something that’s easy and simple for now, I was thinking just a diatomite/zeolite mix, would that do the job keeping in mind of the air layering it will be put through?

Hi Whitey,
I have never used Diatomite. Could someone reading this, who has had experience with Diatomite, please advise Whitey.

Regards Ray

[whitey]

I knew there would be varying grades of zeolite but I didn't know there would be totally different types, I thought they would be all similar in looks and texture. I opened up the searles zeolite and it looks and feels like fine gravel. I went on the hunt today and found some BBQ drip tray granules and clay kitty litter both stating they are zeolite. Am I right in saying the kitty litter is the choice to use?

[Bek]

The one on the left (on your picture with all three) looks like the zeolite I have. The other two white ones look more like diatomite. I had heard about diatomite being used as kitty litter before and a fat absorber under BBQs, so I think it's gotta be diatomite..

[whitey]

All three state zeolite on the packaging

The first pic is diatomite and the second is the kitty litter zeolite(left) and the diatomite.

[Bek]

Ok I'm stumped But I'm certainly not an expert at this, so maybe someone more knowledgeable will chip in with an explanation so it all makes sense !

[JaseH]

I am pretty certain the two on the right are not zeolite. As Bek said, the one on the left looks like the zeolite I know. I would be wary using the other two until you have confirmed from the manufacturer exactly what it is?

[Boics]

FWIW the reddish stuff is the "Zeolite" that i have purchased from what I would assume to be a reputable source.

From a quick google search it would appear the whiter products are very well Zeolite too?

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=zeol ... 0&bih=1008

Dunno.. !

[whitey]

Both the kitty litter and BBQ granules state they are a product of New Zealand. Both feels and resembles more of a clay substance and can be crushed with a bit of pressure between the fingers. The red searles stuff feels like rock and can only be crushed with the help of a hammer. I'm very confused on which one to use now The searles is very fine 2mm max, so I dont think it would be any good for a fig mix I'm after.

[NAHamilton]

I wouldn't use the stuff you can squeeze in your fingers, after a couple of watering's it will just turn to mush. That's coming from someone who's done it. From what I've read there were kitty litters that were OK to use but changes in the products have made them unsuitable. Don't be disheartened though, everything else from NZ is great