AusBonsai

Thanks to Brett who recommended another product by this company, I found this product called a "rooterpot". It is said to revolutionise the way we propagate via air-layer due to the ease and water retention, and also being able to check root growth easily without disturbing roots. I am currently awaiting a reply to my email regarding cost for both sizes and availability. I will definatly be getting one of each before spring and trying them out. I thought I would share with everyone as in theory this seems like a great product!!! http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/products/m ... erpot.html

Cheers,
Luke

Luke308 wrote:Thanks to Brett who recommended another product by this company, I found this product called a "rooterpot". It is said to revolutionise the way we propagate via air-layer due to the ease and water retention, and also being able to check root growth easily without disturbing roots. I am currently awaiting a reply to my email regarding cost for both sizes and availability. I will definatly be getting one of each before spring and trying them out. I thought I would share with everyone as in theory this seems like a great product!!! http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/products/m ... erpot.html

Cheers,
Luke

Please keep us updated. That looks interesting.

that does look good

I was looking at getting some a while back but never got around to ordering some.
http://www.gardenexpress.com.au/rooter-pot/

hey Luke,

I believe Greth has been using these for some time, maybe ask her of her experiences

Hi Folks

Rooter pots have been available in NZ for 10 years. I haven't used them myself but have a couple ready to try out in the spring.

I have a two questions on the subject of Air layering:
(1) I know spring / summer is the time to start air layering but what if I start one now on an evergreen (Eucalypt)? I assume it will still proceed but at a much slower pace.

(2) What would happen if I started an air layer on a deciduous tree (Acer palmatum) now? The maple still is in leaf but starting to get it's autumn colours. When I ring bark the branch I want to air layer off, this will effect the transfer of nutrients and hormones back down the trunk for wintering over. When the tree looses it's leaves, it will shut down and any rooting activity on the air layer will cease until the spring? Will it abort this branch?

Regards

Fred

You would probably OK to start now, but not much will happen until spring anyway. the tree may well throw a hissy fit and die back so I woud wait till spring given your location.
You are fair bit cooler than me in Sydney

Ken

Hmm,
this great design is o.k if you are doing small branches.But what if you want to do branches like say 7cm wide. If only they would make a larger pot then we could have our bonsai's well on their way,rather than still groing our trees on for a further 5 years. I do still think it is a great idea, no mess & less frustration.Glad to see we can get them in Aus now.

Petra wrote:Hmm,
this great design is o.k if you are doing small branches.But what if you want to do branches like say 7cm wide. If only they would make a larger pot then we could have our bonsai's well on their way,rather than still groing our trees on for a further 5 years. I do still think it is a great idea, no mess & less frustration.Glad to see we can get them in Aus now.

The rooter pot comes in two sizes and were available from the Big Green Shed Buzzings. They do not come in 7cm wide openings but can be modified to take on larger branches or trunks.
I have done this, Craig Coussins introduced us to them along with Vet wrap and Amalgum self adhesive tape about 10 years ago.

Cheers Pup

Hi Folks

I agree with Petra, the only draw back with rooter pots is the stem sizes they can handle.

Pup could you please elaborate how you modified the pot to take larger diameter branches. Photos would be great.

Fred

Pup wrote: I have done this, Craig Coussins introduced us to them along with Vet wrap and Amalgum self adhesive tape about 10 years ago.

Cheers Pup

Hi Pup, I have seen the Vet wrap used, but I was wondering what you use the self amalgamating tape for? We stock that at my work now (Repco). Im thinking you would use it in place of grafting tape?
Cheers,
Luke

Luke308 wrote:

Pup wrote: I have done this, Craig Coussins introduced us to them along with Vet wrap and Amalgum self adhesive tape about 10 years ago.

Cheers Pup

Hi Pup, I have seen the Vet wrap used, but I was wondering what you use the self amalgamating tape for? We stock that at my work now (Repco). Im thinking you would use it in place of grafting tape?
Cheers,
Luke

Luke, the amalgum tape is used as grafting tape and also in place of vet wrap or raffia.
Fred, the holes were enlarged as needed both top and bottom.

There were a couple of sizes available from Garden Express, the larger one takes up to about an inch diameter from memory.
Easy to use and set up. Very fairly priced. Reusable, which is a bonus, except some of the little plastic tab bits do tend to break off easily. Usually still quite usable anyway.
I like them, found it easier to check and water than when using homebuilt rigs. Sometimes the whole arrangement is too bulky to fit just at the perfect place on a tree, that could be equally true of plastic and spaghnum tho.
Translucent plastic, not black, dont know if it really makes a difference to keep the roots dark, but hasnt seemed to hurt.
Overall if you have already had good success with home rigs, congrats, and keep doing what you do, but if you have struggled or like the idea of a purpose built pot, then I would say worth a try. My opinion for the cost of the electrons used transmitting it.

The large size is $3.30 gst inclusive
and the smaller size is $1.98. Thats a bargain if you ask me!!