Man tires. Should he blow up his air-layer?

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NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 179

Posted 1475293752	Reply with quote #1

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 __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,363

Posted 1475295049 · Edited	Reply with quote #2

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. __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

DomGardens

Registered:1475212155
Posts: 57

Posted 1475295509	Reply with quote #3

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 __________________ Dom Figventory Spreadsheet @DomGardens domgardensitaly@gmail.com 609-457-6825

elin

Registered:1360863025
Posts: 1,272

Posted 1475302112 · Edited	Reply with quote #4

The engin is missing :) I think it should be ok, just wrap it with alluminium foil so it doesnt heat up. __________________ Eli ,Israel ,Zone 10? Too humid and hot, yada yada yada https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1298814119 Growing: Sbayi, Hmadi, Black Portugal, Black Brazil,Excell, Flanders, Hmari , RDB, Niagra Black,Natalina, CDDN,Maya, Preto Torres, Preto Arge

ADelmanto

Registered:1359774201
Posts: 911

Posted 1475326006	Reply with quote #5

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. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/From-The-Ground-Up-403313193085649/

arachyd

Registered:1345772821
Posts: 116

Posted 1475334264 · Edited	Reply with quote #6

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. __________________ Wish list: Dalmatie, LSU Gold, Ponte Tresa, 豐產黃 (Bountiful Harvest) Zone 7b

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1475349629	Reply with quote #7

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 ! __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 179

Posted 1475350312	Reply with quote #8

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! __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

DonCentralTexas

Registered:1390420422
Posts: 475

Posted 1475362340	Reply with quote #9

Resourceful. Now that's reusing and recycling! __________________ Don (Near Austin, TX zone 8b) If you have these for sale/trade PM me: Zingarella, Grantham's Royal, Calderona, Genovese Nero, Noir de Barbentane

fignutty

Registered:1374034473
Posts: 580

Posted 1475367934	Reply with quote #10

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. __________________ Steve in Alpine TX 7b/8a Wish list: Sangue Dolce, Siblawi, Victoria, Emalyn's Purple, Colonel Littman's Black Cross

evladi7654

Registered:1251236390
Posts: 48

Posted 1475764770	Reply with quote #11

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 !

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