O.K. I know it wasn't the best pun but.... any-who...  I tried an air layer once on a brown turkey, but I think it dried out and I was too afraid to try again. I have this young plant that I would like to make into two, so I thought I'd give it a second go.  I took a blown out inner-tube (see pic.), cut out a foot long section, Pulled it over the branch, filled it with damp media and zipped tied the ends. I guessed it wouldn't let light in, could stretch, hold moisture and would be reusable.

Question. Do air layers require rewetting if they are fairly air tight? Anyway. I'll let you know how it worked out around the first or second week of November.  If you have any suggestions please send my way. Thanks!
I

This thing does not look like it could seal the moisture for an extended period. A regular plastic bag would probably work better.
Just did an air layer using a plastic bag filling it with moist soil and taping it with scotch tape on both sides , then covering it with aluminum paper.
Just cut out the air layer. It looks healthy and there was still enough humidity around the rootball.
Did not add any water and the tree was sitting in almost full sun during the months of August and September.

I would like to add that, If enough ants could get in there, they might destroy your air layer.

Hey Noel,

Check it this thread we have going, a lot of good stuff that may apply to you.

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/the-cutting-globe-propagation-device-8260592?pid=1293554701

Dom

The engin is missing :)
I think it should be ok, just wrap it with alluminium foil so it doesnt heat up.

I prefer something solid instead of floppy. When you remove the air layer the baby roots are still very delicate. The less likely they are to be disturbed the better. So I prefer something with smooth sides and that can be cut off or removed from the root ball very easily.

I have tried plastic bottles, plastic wrap only, under the dirt and all worked well. Recently I ordered some Rooter Pots because I wanted something easier to handle that looked nice. They have  a basic plant pot shape with a crease down the side that acts like a hinge, snap closures, a flat removable lid so you can fill it with soil after you situate it on the branch, reservoirs at the bottom to hold water and black stick-on labels that keep most of the light out but can be peeled back to check progress. I like them but haven't had them long enough to see if the fig trees like them. They're a bit pricey but they're reusable.

Hi,
You might have a hard time getting the airlayer out of the inner-tube. Is there enough dirt in there ?
I'm watering the airlayers every week. I let them dry in between.
I'm using hard plastic or cardboard boxes that the milk or cocoa comes in.
Any container will do. You just need to have an easy way to get the airlayer out of the box. So plan the opening and cuts while setting the box, as later there will be roots inside and you don't want to severe the roots at removal.
Having a box that can easily be opened and closed is nice as you can then check for roots every now and then.
The key with airlayers is setting them up soon enough. End of July by me is the latest. Even a month later and they don't have time to grow roots strong enough.
This year, I'm waiting on 2 airlayers. My plan is either they have roots strong enough and I'll cut them away, or the roots are too weak and they stay till next year.
I killed 3 airlayers last year because the roots were too short at Fall time - but I cut them away. Who said: Patience patience patience ?
Good luck !

Thanks all for the advice. It was a hair brained idea that had been rolling around for a few months. Tried and true is always a good plan. Thanks!

Resourceful.  Now that's reusing and recycling!

I prefer something where you can rewet the media periodically. Roots don't grow in dry media. And once the roots extend thru the media they'll dry it out quickly. Once dry any further root growth will cease.

I had 100% takes rooting into 1 gal water jugs with the top cut out. Plant stem up thru the bottom. Wrapped in Al foil. Had one that when cut off was 6ft tall. This was some plants that had supports for the jugs. Smaller bottles can be used the same way and probably not need support. Regular watering of the media helps as long as it drains well.

To put it short..... go to a Dollar store and buy a Syringe there ( they have it in my store in CT )  It comes with a big needle. You suck the water into it and stick it in your rubber sleeve to water your branch without unrapping it !. Do it several times during the summer to keep it moist inside , even if your wrap is not tight !