I started some air layers for some friends several weeks ago. Just didn't like the way tree was growing so I made three of them. Two for a couple of friends and one for myself as back up. I offered the 3rd one today to another friend so I started another one (4th) for myself.

The first three are rooting well using Franks method so to speak. Works real well btw.
Only issue I was having was the branches I am air layering were growing far to quick and too long for the size of the root ball I was producing. So the safest bet (IMO) was to shorten the branches a bit. So I did. I cut off the tips at approx. 8" long each. I also removed some of the older leaves too.

This way in a couple of weeks when I remove the layers they will be just right and get potted up and prep for shipping in a couple weeks there after.

I also used the tips and started them as summer cuttings. Those are to stay in a shade or medium sun while rooting and the soil is to remain moist. Not wet, but moist. Summer cuttings work well for me btw.

FYI,
So far so good on the fruit. Non dropping at the moment. Could the laws of physics be in my yard? Fingers crossed;)

Please enjoy the pictures,

Very nice, thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing and good luck! Would you mind sharing Frank's method you've referred to.

Very nice work Rafed. Enjoy seeing them. I know there is much talk and mystery and interest around the Ice Crystal, but how do they taste??

Gorgeous plant. That variety certainly has some long stems on the figs.

Just shows how creative you can be with airlayers. It's not about how you get there but the finished product. Very nice I have a ice crystal i will be airlayering also.

Fingers crossed they fully ripen for you! Thanks for posting the pics!

Nice work Rafed.  Such a unique leaf pattern!

Rafed: Very nice, thanks for sharing.

Best,
Tam

Is the Ice Crystal fig available for sale anywhere in the US? I've not found it here - only in Europe. Kansas City needs to have one tried in my location. I am a dreamer, but I am a fig growing dreamer.

Hi KCMarie,
If you're looking for fruit production, I would advise you to wait a bit as you're in Zone5 (and me in Zone7) ... But if it is for the beauty of the foliage, just go ahead ...
Mine still has 2 bigger figs hanging on, and some new popping out after dropping most of the "first" crop. Ice Crystal could possibly be a smyrna type ...
I wish I had known before I bought mine ! I had a Brunswick at hand at the same time that I bought my IC ... And I would have gone out with the "Brunswick" instead !
After almost stalling since January, mine just started putting more growth since end of July - with no reason ... Except that I told her that I was upset about her ... :)

KCMarie

I got mine as a gift from a friend here in the forum. There are a couple members that offer it for sale through eBay from time to time.
No worries, these sellers are right here in the states.

Like jdsfrance says
Don't expect the fruit to do anything for you. I have mine for its' beauty. If the fruit ripens then it's a bonus.

Good luck

Rafed, it looks like the airlayers are working well.  I noticed you have drainage/air holes in the side of the cup.  Are these to add water to the mix or do you have them for gas exchange, or both?  I've never introduced holes in the airlayer container and wonder if it would be an improvement.

Steve

This method I'm using is just like the standard cuttings rooting method but with the twist of having the cutting still attached to the mother tree. Hence, air layer.

So yes, I have the holes for drainage so they can get watered.

I will repost the method when I return home in a few days. I left this morning.

You should try it.

But keep in mind, try to keep the cups out of direct sun.

Good luck

Looks great Rafed:)

Rafed, you really have it growing on!  Very kind of you to be giving those to people when they'd sell for a lot on ebay.

It sure is a beauty Rafed, but I am also interested in how it taste. If I had unlimited space to plant I would try to grow ice crystal just for its beauty but with my limited yard space it has to tasted really good also,  lol.

Good job on that airlayers Rafed! Thanks for sharing.

That's sweet Rafed.

I just finished my first ever air layer on one of my unknowns as a back-up. During the process, the branch loaded up with figs, so I thought I would lose them when I cut it off the mother tree, but so far they have stayed on there.

Looking good!! I don't have any figs on mine but it is it's first year, I was told recently that it would need pollination, but not sure of that because I know people are getting fruit in England and as far as I know they do not have the wasp.

Gloria

One can hope. Fingers crossed.

Thanks guys, I'll keep my eyes open for a US Ice Crystal. It is such a beauty that if I didn't get figs, it would still be ok. It could surprise me too and that would be welcome!