Air Layering

There different ways in which to propagate plants that do not bear fruit; meaning there are no seeds to be planted. One of the methods used by gardeners to propagate their plant is called air layering. This technique is has a high success rate when it comes to plant propagation. Here are some tips to ensure successful air layering.

1. 1
   First gather the materials needed

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   You will need string/electrical tape, scissors, plastic wrap, a bottle of water, a piece of hard plastic, spagnum moss or a coconut husk will do.

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2. 2
   Pick the plant

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   After gathering all the materials, choose a plant to be propagated.

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3. 3
   Making the cut

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   Before making the cut, first inspect the stem of the plant to see if it is woody or less woody. Cuts may vary according to how woody the stem is. If it is woody you need to remove the bark around the stem for about 1-2 inches in length leaving the wood part of the stem exposed. For less woody stems you can make a cut upward into the stem about 1-2 inches in length. Once the cut has been made, stick the piece of hard plastic in between so that the cut parts will not be in contact.

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4. 4
   Soak the spagnum moss or coconut husk in water and squeeze to remove the excess water.

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5. 5
   Using the spagnum moss or coconut husk, wrap it around the cut area of the stem, then wrap it with plastic and use string or electrical tape to secure the it in place

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6. 6
   After a week or two when you can see roots sprouting from the stem you can now cut the stem below the layered stem and plant it in a new pot

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   Make sure that you remove the plastic when you transfer the layered stem into a new pot.

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The best plants to use for air layering are the plants that do not readily root when cut and planted and plants that lack low growing shoots. These plants can be ornamental to woody plants like:

• Roses
• Ornamental figs
• Magnolia
• Camellia
• Jasmine
• Holly
• Azalea
• Croton
• Hazel
• Daphnes
• Rhododendron
• Lilac
• Forsythia
• continues
• Viburnums
• Cornusspecies
• Philodendron

You can also make use of air layering to propagate nut and fruit-bearing trees like:

• Apples
• Pecans
• Citrus
• Pears

• Make sure that no outside moisture will enter the plastic cover.
• Secure the plastic from end to end.

I am looking for air layering scissors. Is there such a thing?

I'm looking to air layering scissors.. I have tried: Surfed the web. I think it was caused by: Don't know if they are available

A pair of scissors that you need is a pair of scissors for cutting plastic foil and string, which can be bought in the nearest gardening shop or general store, or a girdling pair of scissors (for example, like these). You can also use a pruning pair of shears (for example, one of these).

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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