BRT propagation

[Poink88]

Dangerous things happen when I have extra time...

About 6 weeks ago, I am bored (yes I get bored easily) and spotted my very first Brazilian Rain Tree (BRT). Looked at it and decided it need a new front. Problem is a major branch will obscure the trunk so it has to go. Rather than chopping it and making a cutting (already did BRT cutting successfully before), I opted to try another way and airlayer it.

Got a styrofoam cup, slit the sides, put bottom holes, and used it as a "pot". Ring barked the branch, applied rooting hormone, placed the cup & soil. Soil is mostly Turface with some shredded sphagnum moss.

Two days ago, I was looking around the backyard (as always) and decided to poke at the airlayer and it already have lots of roots!!! I am guessing it has enough to be separated if I want but I'll wait. The cup is really tiny though and I should probably up size it.

BTW, this tree will go inside (winter protection) so no concern about freezing tender roots.

Pics to follow this weekend.

 

[sikadelic]

I am interested in your pics. I want to do a few layers this year and wondered how to make my own pot for it. I assumed I would need something that I would have to keep closed to prevent the soil from spilling out. How did you prevent that?

 

[Poink88]

I am interested in your pics. I want to do a few layers this year and wondered how to make my own pot for it. I assumed I would need something that I would have to keep closed to prevent the soil from spilling out. How did you prevent that?

The branch is about 45 degrees diagonal. I cut the sides of the cup and installed it so the top is as close to horizontal as possible. Can't recall how I supported/mended the cut on this. I've used tape, tie wire, aluminum wire, etc. on others before.

The tree is inside but piled in so cannot take pics yet. I'll take and post pics of some others, even the ones already separated for you to see.

 

[Poink88]

Leaves are starting to yellow (due to exposure to several relatively low temps) but the air layer is healthy.



I should be ashamed showing this styrofoam cup airlayer but it works.

 

[Poink88]

I am interested in your pics. I want to do a few layers this year and wondered how to make my own pot for it. I assumed I would need something that I would have to keep closed to prevent the soil from spilling out. How did you prevent that?

I will also post some pics on my other boxwood thread to show you some airlayer I did and going right now.

 

[jkd2572]

Thanks for the pics. What ever works. Do you have any trees in bonsai pots?

 

[Poink88]

Thanks for the pics. What ever works. Do you have any trees in bonsai pots?

A couple...not very nice though. My trees will get potted when they are ready.

Unlike some, I do not buy bonsai...I try to make them myself...most from extremely raw stock.

 

[jkd2572]

If that was a stab at me. I do both.

 

[Poink88]

Got bored...severed the air layer today.





Mom and baby.