Inspired by mfehmi's air layer thread, I've taken his advice on procedure and am now attempting my first air layer.  I thought it would be fun to document this and update the thread in a month's time.


1.  The subject - Black Madeira KK.  I decided to try to elevate the container just enough to fit clippers or a saw underneath once it is time to separate it.  I used scrap pex tubing that I normally use for my SIPs.


 

2. As mfehmi instructed, I scraped over the side of the nodes. I went a little overboard with the Opinel!


 

3. Then I used a Q-tip to spread Clonex over the scraped area.


 

4.  I surrounded it with a halved juice bottle and filled it with my SIP mix. Because of my location not being as humid as mfehmi's Puerto Rico, I decided to leave the top open so I can water when needed.


 

5. Finally, I wrapped foil around the bottle to keep sunlight from the future root zone.


 

See you in May!  Hopefully we'll see some nice fat roots!

Excellent! Best of luck!

This looks great. How long do you think it will take to fill that container with roots? I'm starting to think I should have used something larger than a water bottle on my air layers. 

@TheAsTrader:

Excellent job!!!
You should have a nice Air Layer in 4 to 5 weeks.

I'm glad that my thread was able to inspire you. That is the beauty of this forum, to learn new things. I'm always learning from many members.

Here's a 5 week update on the Black Madeira KK.  Big fat beautiful white roots!!!  I'd call this a success! I'll check on it again in a couple weeks.



 

The roots look great! I am curious though why you are leaving the air layer on? I have not yet air layered, but would like to know what your thoughts are.

Yes, wait until the container is packed with roots.  By then, the roots will be thicker, tougher and less like to break off when you unpack it.  A couple more weeks, at least.

Nicely done!

Twelve days later... KABOOM!  It also got a root ball injection of Roots Organics Surge last week.  



 

Very nice job!!! Those roots looks beautiful.
I'm glad it worked well for you.

Looks great! When is the best time to do this? Start of spring? Thanks

Thanks for the reply

What was the initial length of the branch when u started this? I've got a branch around 40cm and 2.5cm thick that I would like to try

thanks for sharing the process

Nice BM TheAStrader! hope to get a BM one day
heard many great things about the fig