Kudos to Rafed for introducing root riot to the forum. Not only is it great for rooting cuttings but it beats all other air layer media, in my opinion.

The Blue Ischia air layer pictured below was started 10-14 days ago. I've had similar success with Niagara Black, and NJ Red unk.

I encourage anyone who wants a quick, successful but small air layered plant to use this method. It is great for swaps as it saves on postage.

By the way, the potted result will be made available for trade.

Did you have the score the green growth?

No scoring necessary, although it would probably not hurt. A "schmear" of hormone gel might also accelerate the process...

Frank, thanks for the suggestion of RR for air layering. I just finished Petite Negra and Ronde de Bordeuax and have Malta Falcon to
do later today. I am trying the RR cube along with a Rooter Pot. I split the RR cube and wrapped it around the area I want to develop
the roots and secured it with one twist tie. I then placed the Rooter Pot around it and filled the remaining void inside the Rooter Pot
with Fertilome UPM and moistened the soil and filled the water reservoir of the Rooter Pot. I did score them and used just a smidgeon
of Clonex to help it along.


 

FMD, what a great idea to use a root riot cube for small airlayers. That never occurred to me, DUH! Thanks for posting.

Mike,

Any info on the rooter pot?
Pics? Where? Sizes? $$$?

Rafed, this is my first time to use them. I use to do the old fashion plastic bottle etc. This  http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=46938&cat=2,47236 is
where I ordered mine from. From what I have seen it is a good price.

Great idea and excellent results. Thanks for posting!

Thanks Mike,

Just ordered a set.

I want try that, but I will try to find UPM first since its so expensive online.

You can use sphagnum moss mixed with any other potting mix if you want. You are not limited to UPM only.

Nice, will have to ty that

Frank,
Excellent roots. Steps please. Adding the RR cube in the bottle or foil; Is that the only difference from your 'normal' approach?

JD, My previous record airlayering is not that good.  So, I got some of these to increase my odds.  I like the wicking system of this pot.  I don't water them daily, only once every 3 or 4 days.  I did use the riot cubes.  I dipped mine in root stimulator and water first and used the gel.  I'm looking forward to these things working b/c I got a few air layers to send out this Fall.  I'll post pics sometime this week.  I did not cut the cube completely in half.  I only cut them half way and loosely tied a small piece of burlap string on it to hold everything together.  Over time, the burlap will rot away.

Dennis,
I would definitely like to see pictures of your process. I have an idea and have had successful layers but I have never gotten roots like those Frank posted.

Jimmie, you have got to try this technique. The same RR properties that promote giant root formation in cuttings apparently do the same in air layers.
The process could not be easier.
I split open a damp/wet cube on one side and wrap it around the branch (girdling, scraping, hormones are optional). I then it wrap a piece of plastic cling and a piece of foil foil around the cube to secure it to the branch. That's it.  Since rooting occurs so quickly there is less chance the cube will dry out, you could probably eliminate the use of plastic wrap.

Frank,

When you say"I split open a damp/wet cube on one side and wrap it around the branch (girdling, scraping, hormones are optional)".

Does this only work on small diameter green growth?

Can one air-layer  mature fig growth without girdling or scraping using these cubes?

Frank,
Looking at the picture, you did add potting mix around the RR cube, right?

Good idea.  I've done something similar different with Root Riot too.   I acquired some large seeds about the size of a very big marble, and I cut up the Root Riot cubes and surrounded the seed with those moist cubes.   It's working quite well.   All the seeds are germinating.   

Figfinatic, I think it works best on small caliber lignified or partially lignified wood, I would guess. I don't believe that scraping or girdling is an absolute to air layering.

Jimmy, potting mix was not used, just the RR, Saran Wrap and foil.

The rooter pots work great. I have both sizes and makes airlayering very easy.

I'm about to try this right now. I have a Negronne that doesn't want to grow anymore, two months and no new growth. Maybe I can get the suckers to spring to life at the base.  

Wow, just a damp RR cube and cover. Impressive. I have a couple of layers I need to start...

Vivian,
I ordered some and put them to use. Cost me roughly $22 including shipping.

Jimmie,
Where have you been?