Hi everyone,

I had never heard of air layering before joining the forum. It captured my fancy and I had to try it.

I found an errant, sideways growing branch on a young Desert King. It was a no-risk situation; if the air layer failed, at least it was on a branch I didn't want anyway.

The air layer didn't fail. I'm happy to report that air layering is simple, fun, and really works.

I cut off about an inch of bark, roughed up the cambium layer, slit a 1 quart cottage cheese container and its lid, put it over the branch, stuffed plain old peat moss in it, taped it closed with packing tape, and covered it with foil.



2 months later, lots of roots.



And now, junior is off to live her own life unattached to Mama. Straighten up there, youngster!



That's a little seaweed water in the saucer to help with the shock of transplant, although I didn't disturb the roots.
Using a cottage cheese container was a mistake; something clear would be much better for monitoring progress. Next time...

Well done! 

Very good job.  Look at all those roots!

You did just fine. Don't be surprise as the leaves fall, leave it allone and let it heal.. next spring, cut only the dead portion and you ready. Good luck!  they say you should have 2 trees, so you prune them in alternate years, if you prune it, you get no fruits... DK is a fussy one.

Very well done!
I think I know what you feel..
Not much different than, when you on your own, took-off, fly and brought it down safe and sound!
Congratulations !... it needs continuation

Francisco

Rob, really nice job there with your first air-layer.  I was successful last year with my initial go at this technique.  Good feeling to cut away and see that nice root ball and have a fully developed young tree.  Thanks for sharing.

Thank you all!

It is really great to learn and successfully pull off a new propagation technique, especially with fig trees, of which there are never enough.

Hey Rob...WOW! Thanks for posting! I did my first air layer also about 2 months ago with RDB and it turned out great! Wished I had took a photo like you.....Thanks for Posting! : )

Frank from Bama

Fantastic job!  

I have one question, how did you water it during those 2 months?

That is a fine air layer! Two years old post but still. :)