I cut this air layer off about a week ago.  The roots were growing out one side of the container after 3 to 4 weeks.  After cutting, the roots weren't quite as many as I expected, but still nice, thick and white.  I still thought it was enough to support the limb.

It started wilting about 10 minutes later.  The next morning, all the leaves were hanging straight down, limp as a noodle.  So I cut the fingers off of every leaf and hoped for the best.

After a few days, the leaf stems started perking back up.  Then all the lower leaves dropped, the upper ones stayed on, but are dry and burnt around the edges where I cut them.

Those few upper leaves are now standing up normal and the lower part is now putting out new buds.  Looks like it's going to be fine.

 

Nice save!

Very quick thinking on your part! Congrats!

Good job,  I have cut off quit a few air layers when I should have waited a week or two longer. All I do is trim the lower bigger leaves and put it in the shade for a few days and after the leaves perk back up I move it back out in the sun and not long after that the pot is full of roots.

I'll know next time.  I have another one going on the same tree.  Not quite as big as this one was though.  Have a few others going too.

Hi Dallasfigs,
For bigger airlayers you should wait until end of September to remove them ...
The trees would then be slowing down on the growing effort and the shock wouldn't be as big.
Keeping the airlayer in the shadow for a week at least , two is better, and then bring them back to the sun.

Whenever I take air layers that start drooping I put them in the shower, regularly spritz the walls and leaves top/bottom for a couple of days.

oh.. my wife would not have it if i brought one in a put it in the shower... lol  She barely tolerates them on the back deck.  I have a corner of the yard I can call my own.