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Air layering questions

Posted: March 13th, 2014, 9:48 pm
by vlkcheng
Is it possible to air layering the main truck with no branches below the level of where I want to air layer?? I've got a youngish tree where the main trunk is too tall and roots are ugly. I want to air layer midway up the main truck.

Re: Air layering questions

Posted: March 13th, 2014, 10:08 pm
by bonsaibeginer
A picture would probably help Vik but I'm sure you could. As long as there is enough foliage ABOVE where you set the layer to support the new roots. You don't need branches or foliage below the layer.
There are a few good threads here on air layering and ground layering, depending on how tall your tree is.
Might want to make sure the timing is right too depending on where you are and the species you are layering.
Good luck

Re: Air layering questions

Posted: March 16th, 2014, 9:36 pm
by shibui
As BB has pointed out it appears successful layering relies on leaves above the layer, not below. If you look you should be able to find hundreds of examples of people layering bonsai from just above the roots to just under the first branch in order to fix problems like you have mentioned. Plenty of posts here on Ausbonsai too.
Layer success and time to produce roots can depend on species, age and time of year as well as technique. You mention your tree is young which is a plus for layering.

Ray M has several recent threads outlining his successful methods (though not the only way to successful layering) that might be interesting for you.

Re: Air layering questions

Posted: March 16th, 2014, 9:53 pm
by kcpoole
I put 3 airlayers on a Ficus Benjamina today and there was no foliage below the 2 bottom layers at all.

Each layer has foliage above them only.

Ken

Re: Air layering questions

Posted: March 17th, 2014, 9:42 am
by vlkcheng
Thanks for all the help.

Re: Air layering questions

Posted: March 17th, 2014, 10:30 am
by Aquaman