AusBonsai

Hey everyone, we have these two trees in our backyard that have lovely bark and I was wanting to air layer some thicker branches off them. However I don't really know the species and I'd want to make sure they can be done properly before attempting them. Here are some photos, an ID and any advice on air layering these species would be greatly appreciated.

tree 1

tree 1

tree 2

tree 2

tree 2 (are they aerial roots?)

tree 2

Thanks
DK


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Even without the flowers the aerial roots are a dead giveaway. It is New Zealand Christmas tree AKA Pohutakawa - Metrosideros excelsa.
The aerial roots mean that it should be easy to layer. Just use any standard layering technique and now should be a great time to start.

Thank you very much
I'd love to start air layering them as soon as possible, but first, I have to get permission from the parents haha

Thanks again


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I decided to give it a go and air layer it. I'm using sphagnum moss soaked in seasol, I've added rooting hormones to the inner wood after stripping the bark back.
I then used a plastic cup as a pot, and stuffed it with sphagnum moss.

Hopefully I get some nice roots in 6-8 weeks!




I used the foil to cover the top because I was told that it is best to try and keep it in the dark.

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Thought i'll put some pics up of them in their natural growth habit. Something for you to aim at...

Wow! Very nice
Thank you


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Some more. They always branch low down in the wild..

That could be very very helpful haha


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I don't know how true it is, but I've been told they root from truncheon cuttings.

Can anyone confirm this?

The way they throw aerial roots I would not be surprised Milly but have not tried so cannot actually confirm this. Certainly worth a try.

Thought i'll throw this on to...

http://bonsaiplace.net/2015/11/29/pohutukawa-as-bonsai/