Fig air layer not taking

[Hornet]

I did a couple of fig air layers over a month ago but neither of them has started rooting, looks like they are bridging. I took a thick strip of bark right around to the tree, what can i do to stop doing this again? Should i just redo it but cutting off the bridging tissue?

[Jamie]

I have had this happen too. if the bride is thick and has made the part that you want to have a flare then what I do is just cut it off, under the flare of course and treat it as a cutting. pretty good success with this.

otherwise, strip the bridging off and reset it with some more hormone. you could also try a tourniquet if you wanted too.

[Graeme]

Yep, just redo the stripping of the bark. Make the stip a bit wider this time and cut a little further into the heartwood of the branch. If the branch (or trunk) is getting a little thin on it, support with a couple of lengths of wire run along the branch. This time of the year you should be seeing roots emerg within around 7 to 10 days. Keep the Spagnum moss wet as well, also doesn't hurt to put a little seasol into the water each time. Good luck with it.

[Hornet]

Thanks guys, will get onto that today. Will also take a few new layers and see how they go. Hate wasting the tops of tree's