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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Air layer success with Desert King
 
 


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RobBanks

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi everyone,

I had never heard of air layering before joining the forum. It captured my fancy and I had to try it.

I found an errant, sideways growing branch on a young Desert King. It was a no-risk situation; if the air layer failed, at least it was on a branch I didn't want anyway.

The air layer didn't fail. I'm happy to report that air layering is simple, fun, and really works.

I cut off about an inch of bark, roughed up the cambium layer, slit a 1 quart cottage cheese container and its lid, put it over the branch, stuffed plain old peat moss in it, taped it closed with packing tape, and covered it with foil.

[ALDK2]

2 months later, lots of roots.

[ALDK3]

And now, junior is off to live her own life unattached to Mama. Straighten up there, youngster!

[ALDK4]

That's a little seaweed water in the saucer to help with the shock of transplant, although I didn't disturb the roots.
Using a cottage cheese container was a mistake; something clear would be much better for monitoring progress. Next time...
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Robert Zone 8b, Washougal, WA Currently growing: Negronne, Stella, Atreano, Hardy Chicago, Desert King, Lattarula
BexleyRabbit

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Well done! 
cobb4861

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Very good job.  Look at all those roots!
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Meghan Cobb ~ Growing zone 9 Wish List: Pane e Vino White and /or Dark, De la Reina, Iranian mountain fig and anything else that is great to grow or at least try in the hot and humid Southeast Texas.
Grasa

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 

You did just fine. Don't be surprise as the leaves fall, leave it allone and let it heal.. next spring, cut only the dead portion and you ready. Good luck!  they say you should have 2 trees, so you prune them in alternate years, if you prune it, you get no fruits... DK is a fussy one.


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Grasa
Seattle, WA
lampo

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Very well done!
I think I know what you feel..
Not much different than, when you on your own, took-off, fly and brought it down safe and sound!
Congratulations !... it needs continuation

Francisco
Maro2Bear

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Rob, really nice job there with your first air-layer.  I was successful last year with my initial go at this technique.  Good feeling to cut away and see that nice root ball and have a fully developed young tree.  Thanks for sharing.
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Mark B., Glenn Dale, MD Zone 7a
RobBanks

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Thank you all!

It is really great to learn and successfully pull off a new propagation technique, especially with fig trees, of which there are never enough.
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Robert Zone 8b, Washougal, WA Currently growing: Negronne, Stella, Atreano, Hardy Chicago, Desert King, Lattarula
Frankallen

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Hey Rob...WOW! Thanks for posting! I did my first air layer also about 2 months ago with RDB and it turned out great! Wished I had took a photo like you.....Thanks for Posting! : )

Frank from Bama
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Frank from Bama-  Zone 7-b Alabama

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"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever".

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DonCentralTexas

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Fantastic job!  

I have one question, how did you water it during those 2 months?
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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
Charlie

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
That is a fine air layer! Two years old post but still. :)
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Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas 
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