Just a wild guess here, but I am thinking Rammankin wants cuttings of this particular tree because of sentimental value. If not, then I would think that would be quite a task, and much easier to just buy one. Otherwise, I would think you have nothing to lose! Good luck, and maybe your grandfather will help those roots along :-) Several months ago, I bought a large-ish ponytail palm because my mother, who passed away, grew one, and I inherited it but a "babysitter" killed it. I decided to get another adult ponytail. I was told it would be easier to start with another tree for bonsai. I'm not a "bonsai" person, but wanted to keep the tree like she did (in a bonsai pot). So I completely understand that sometimes you just want what you want, for whatever reason, even if it's not going to be easy :-) Good luck if you decide to try it. Gabi

It has been a long time since I have updated here in regards to my air layered Meyer lemons. They are doing great. Had a rough summer, they were neglected BIG TIME, never watered for 3+ weeks due to an asbestos issue at our house and being forced to leave until everything was contained and cleaned. They were in very rough shape but bounced back quickly. My question, I have been giving them 1 tsp per gal of FP at every watering (every two days). I've noticed a lot of my new growth seems to be hanging down more then growing up. Could the amount of FP have something to do with this?

Experimenting is lots of fun. I love to experiment and develop newer propagation methods. You will not need any statistics to tell you when your experiments are successful. Probably the best way to layer an Avocado would be to create a callous in late summer using the TOOTHPICK TECHNIQUE. It works well for those hard to root species. You do this by cutting vertically completely thru a small branch.....just below a node....using an exacto knife. Place a piece of wood behind the branch so you don't cut your finger. Then put a toothpick in the cut that you made so that the wound cannot completely close. Let it sit about about a month or two (depends on the plant species) until you find that the plant has produced a nice callous around that cut you made just below that node. Roots will form rather easily around that node/callous area. When ready to layer remove the toothpick. Then scratch the node/callous surface with a knife or sandpaper and put some rooting gel on that cut. Fill the bottle with potting soil, keep it moist, and completely covered with aluminum foil. If your avocados are still green (i.e.sap still flowing) I would give them a try now layering over winter and then again later in the spring. Lots of variables here to experiment with. Please report your results in this thread if you try this method. Dan From my C.A.R.I.C.A. research files...........

I think airlayering is one of the least labour intensive way to get a larger plant if compared with having to start plants from cuttings. I used these methods on roses and other semi-tropical plants. In my case, i used peat moss, perforated plastic, some wires to tie the ends and that was it. No need for growth hormones, I don't know why tinfoil is necessary unless it's needed to retain heat. I however prefer just plastic, perforated so air and water can get in.