AusBonsai

I attempted a couple of ficus air layers a few weeks ago but i dont think i did it properly, i didnt ring back it completly, just scraped the bark off. Should i re do it and properly ring bark it?

John

it should grow roots any way with out removing any thing just may take longer and the roots will be staggered . i think you are better of just cutting it of and plant it as a cutting remove all the leaves and plant it in some bonsai potting mix and keep moist but not sopping wet. make sure to cut around the base of the cutting with a Stanley knife or scalpel . the cleaner the cut the better the results. maybe plant it on top of a cd to train the roots outwards to get a good root spread . and maybe wait a month or 2 until night time temperatures are higher before taking the cutting for faster better results.

Hi John
I prefer to air layer on larger size fig branches/ cuttings as you have a higher success rate than cuttings. If done properly you can have results like this viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7313&hilit=+air+layer#p82339 in a short preiod of time here in Brisbane. There is spagnum moss under the alfoil - just make sure you ring bark at least 1 1/2 times the diameter of what you are layering to ensure success.

Tony

so for a 5cm air layer take a 15cm strip of bark off? And thats right down to the core, all the bark off

5cm layer take off 5 - 7 cm would be heaps.

Cut right thru the bark and the the cambium down to the heartwood and then scrape that too
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... =Air_layer

Ken