Air layer question.

[Kevster]

I have a big Ficus B. I posted pictures of it not that long ago. It is one of those 7 foot decrotive trees a lady had in her sun room.

Anyway I started 2 air layers on seperate branches. My question is since there is so much to air layer I am worried I won't have time to get down to the bigger 1.5-2 inch branches before the end of summer. So can I have 2 air layers on one beach at the same time? Or will that slow down one of them from rooting.

I have no idea where I'd put a 4 foot tree this winter (that's how tall it would be if I get 4 air layers done) if I can't get most of these done.

I'm not even bothering with small branches the smallest of the two now is 1 inch.

Oh and I am doing a test. I'm doing half my air layers with a pot and bonsai soil the other with sphagnum moss wrapped with plastic. So far the the pot is I'd say 4 times faster.

Thanks everyone,
Kevin

 

[0soyoung]

Root formation is driven by carbohydrates and auxin from above the girdle, which is basically the amount of foliage above the girdle. You can make a series of air-layers along the trunk, for example, as long as there is (enough) foliage between the girdles. The pace/vigor of rooting will be in proportion to the amount of 'driving foliage' (all other things being equal).