Ficus air layer
5 posters
Page 1 of 1
Ficus air layer
I have had a ficus for 4 years that I originally trained as a root over rock. The rock, I've decided, now needs to go.
What is the likelihood of a successful air layer low on the trunk, right over the rock? Of two internet sites I've read one says they air layer easily and the other say they don't. I've successfully layered maples so am familiar with the process.
Sorry I don't know the species but it was a gift. I also apologize for the picture. I'm new to the iPad.
[/url]
Thanks
Steve
What is the likelihood of a successful air layer low on the trunk, right over the rock? Of two internet sites I've read one says they air layer easily and the other say they don't. I've successfully layered maples so am familiar with the process.
Sorry I don't know the species but it was a gift. I also apologize for the picture. I'm new to the iPad.
[/url]
Thanks
Steve
steveb- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
I recently air layered ficus benjamina, canadian sphagnum moss wrapped in clear plastic, approx baseball size. In approx one week, I saw the first white roots at the edge of the plastic. By two weeks there were quite a few. By three weeks they were thickening and turning brown (I took that as a sign the roots were maturing enough). At 3-1/2 weeks I separated the top, removed most of the sphagnum (but not all- difficult job), planted it in my bonsai soil, and pruned off a third of the branches and leaves so the young roots could more easily support the canopy. It has been a week in the pot, and both trees seem healthy. That's much faster than I expected.
Precarious- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
David what were the temp/humidity conditions and how did you maintain them?
DougB- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
JimLewis wrote:Looks like a willow leaf fig.
we all know how jim just adores having to turn his head sideways...
but i'm not so sure about it being willow leaf...
could you post better pics ?
(if you want it I.D.d)
Kevin S - Wisco Bonsai- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
Thanks for the replies. I took the plunge. I'll post pictures soon, hopefully with new roots. Thanks again.
Steve
Steve
steveb- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
Sorry, thought I'd posted an answer to the question, but must not have hit send.
I keep my tropicals in the high sixties at night, mid 70's day. It's in a basement room, and I help the temp stay where I want with a small radiant heater. Humidity 45-55% using a portable humidifier.
I keep my tropicals in the high sixties at night, mid 70's day. It's in a basement room, and I help the temp stay where I want with a small radiant heater. Humidity 45-55% using a portable humidifier.
Precarious- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
There was a mass of roots that were wrapping around the plastic wrap air layer, so, I decided to cut below ringed bark. When I did the mass of spagnum moss and roots fell off in my hand. There was not one root sprouting from the upper part of the ringed bark. I'm thinking that there was one or two very vigorous roots growing below the ring that had filled up the plastic wrap air layer. When I cut the trunk, I cut the roots. I gambled and lost.
steveb- Member
Re: Ficus air layer
A shame. Someone else would have to explain why the roots did not emerge from the top of the bark cut. I would have made the same cut at the bottom that you did.
Precarious- Member
Similar topics
» propagating Ficus - cuttings or air layer
» Japanese Maple, to layer or not to layer?
» runaway apex
» To air layer or not to air layer?
» Where to layer?
» Japanese Maple, to layer or not to layer?
» runaway apex
» To air layer or not to air layer?
» Where to layer?
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
|
|