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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Tried a new air layer method (with pictures)
 
 


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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
It's nothing new, but I think this will make it much to separate and transfer to a pot once rooted.  I just did two air layers on my unknown Carini with 18oz clear cups.  I believe I saw something similar in one of FMD's threads, among other inspiring members (thanks!). 
I don't know if they'll have enough time to root and survive dormancy, but I'm ok with that.  It's fun trying.  This isn't the most professional layout, but you can use whatever is available to make this work similarly.  Pictures are in order below.

  1. Cut plastic cup all the way down, and across the bottom, then cut out room for the stem.
  2. I used an 18" stem and removed all but a few leaves.  Then I cut a thin layer of the stem away, about 2" long with a razor blade.  Not sure if I'll get a lot of roots with such a green stem so use your best judgement here.
  3. Place the cup around the shaved stem and secure bottom with clothespin.
  4. Fill with potting mix.  I used Pro-Mix BX, slightly dampened.
  5. Wrap a rubber-band around cup to keep it together.
  6. Wrap cup with foil to reflect the sun.
  7. Take another piece of foil and tear halfway down the middle and use as a cover.
  8. Use clear wrap or something similar to tie to stem and overlap foil to keep out excessive water from entering.
  9. Use another rubber-band to secure foil around cup.

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Frank
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newnandawg

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Nice and simple. Thanks for sharing
rafed

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Looks good, Frank.
I think you will do fine.
james

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Hi Frank,

I've been using a similar method this year since I did not bring any of my 1 quart AirPots from Texas.  Instead of the cup, I am using a quart sized deli-container (I received a tree from KK in it) with a lid.  I slipped it on much the same way you did, but I used duct tape to seal it.  The duct tape and the foil I re-purposed from one of the kids' science fair project.  Since this limb is slanted pretty good, I just crimped the foil over the top of the layer and the water runs out.
20140811_183244.jpg  20140811_183016.jpg 

This layer is coming off this weekend.

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In ground - N.E of Austin, TX (zone 8b) 

2016 Wish List:  Dārk Pōrtuguese, Grānthāms Royāl, Lātarolla, Negrettā, Nōire de Bārbentāne, Rockāway Green, Viōlet Sepōr, Viōlette Dāuphine.  Iranian figs are always welcome.
brianm

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Did a bunch today. Thanks for the pics.
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FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
That looks great James.  Thanks for the pictures and good luck with it.
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Frank
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Savage270

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Clothes pin... Genius!
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David, North GA, zone 7b Growing figs since May 2014. Wish List: Cuttings: Kesariani, Battaglia Green, Col de Dama Rimada, Col de Dame Noir 
james

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
I agree about the clothes pin being genius. I searched the house for more than an hour to find one of those big metal paper clips.  I have a bag of clothes pins in the junk drawer (the first place I looked for the paper clip).  :S  Normally I wrap my layers in plastic and tie off the ends with electrical tape.  This was my first "open" layer.
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In containers - Littleton, CO (zone 5b)
In ground - N.E of Austin, TX (zone 8b) 

2016 Wish List:  Dārk Pōrtuguese, Grānthāms Royāl, Lātarolla, Negrettā, Nōire de Bārbentāne, Rockāway Green, Viōlet Sepōr, Viōlette Dāuphine.  Iranian figs are always welcome.
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
I can't remember which thread I saw the clothes pin being used, but when I saw it, I thought the same thing...  Genius!
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Frank
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drphil69

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
What is the reason for the cup inside of the pot?  Or are they different air layers?

Edit- never mind, I guess I can't see right with my dirty glasses!  lol.

Nice looking air layer I do it pretty much the same way. 
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Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.
waynea

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
I am saving this thread right beside FMD's with an icon on my desktop, thanks it is really neat!
FiggieFive_0

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Nice job, Frank.  I really like the clothespin idea, so simple and efficient.
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Otmani007

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Excellent job, Frank. This thread should be made a "stickie". Lots of members, including myself, would benefit from this illustrated guide and having added pics is just icing on the cake.
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jdsfrance

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Hi FiggyFranck,
Good luck .
Can you take the same last pic but tomorrow and post it ?
I'm always concerned seing you guys and gals grazing your trees, and just to see if the leaves wilt or not.
I generally use 1 year old wood for air-layering. Well, let's see if green air-layering works.
At least I did green cuttings in my greenhouse (I pinched my Dalmatie tree2 )and for now 3 of the 5 are still good looking, and 1 started making new leaves so, air-layering should work on green wood.
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WillsC

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Jds,

What I do is wait for the wood to start getting the brown spots (lignify) on the green stem and at that stage I air layer it.  In my experience you can air layer the green branches but not much happens until they start spotting up anyway.  
FiggyFrank

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
jds,

I will keep you updated.  I am doing an air layer on 2 other trees that are on green wood and they're still putting out new leaves after 6 weeks.
I also prefer to use 1 year old wood but everything outside died to the ground over winter so it's all this year's growth.
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Frank
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Mario_1

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Quote:
Originally Posted by FiggyFrank
That looks great James.  Thanks for the pictures and good luck with it.
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Wallingford CT, USA zone 6a would be happy to meet and get together with other members near me Wish list; Any fig from any specific place anywhere in Italy
Charitup

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
I like it, thanks for sharing
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goss
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