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When to cut air layer from main tree?

L. A. Nolan (nyc, zone 7b)

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hello there! I made an air layer of an indoor Ficus benjamina tree in the beginning of Jan 2016. My intention is to turn this into a bonsai. It's a month later now and I can already see a lot of new roots! I am curious when is the best time to cut this branch off to create a new tree? Should I let more roots grow, or do you think there is enough for the branch to sustain itself now?

As you can see from photo, I made two air layers on the same branch. The top one has a bunch of roots, however the bottom one (which just has one thin branch with a few leaves) has no roots that I can see. My question is regarding the top air layer.

Thanks!

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Pretty exciting when you see it working, right? - I was :)

I did 3 on the same plant on different branches; separated in less than 2 months. Photo of the roots of one of them below (layered just below a y-split).
I probably made just a little bigger 'ball' and it was started July 22.

Potting on Sept. 3.

here it is potted (overkill on securing it, lol):

Rina

edited to add photo of 2nd layer - end was pruned off considerably before potting:

I hope Al (tapla) will see this post and comment about proper way of doing it.

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Comments (10)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
No expert so I can't give advice (I did same layering few times and cut them when many roots were visible), but I have a question: why 2 layers on same branch so close together? Just wondering...Thnx. Rina
Mentha (East TN, Zone 6B-7A)
8 years ago
I had the same question. From what I understand, one of the air layers will be slower than the other or not develop at all if done on the same branch. I'm no expert though. It was just something I was taught in Ornamental Horticulture class. Al could probably negate that if I'm incorrect.
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L. A. Nolan (nyc, zone 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi Rina. I put the two air layers on same branch just as an experiment.
zzackey
8 years ago
That's a helluva lotta roots! If it was mine I'd pot it up now.
L. A. Nolan (nyc, zone 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for sharing photos Rina! Did you pot with the sphagnum moss still attached to rootball, or did you remove the sphagnum?
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
L.A.

I removed whatever came off easy and potted up the rest, it was first time I ever did it and was little apprehensive. I am quite sure it didn't hurt any. It was potted in 5-1-1.

Rina
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years ago
You sort of need to make a judgment call when separating layers from the plant. Ask yourself if you think there are enough roots to support the top of the plant's water needs (we can't see the top). If yes - you can prolly separate. Given where you live though, I think I'd probably wait at least until the vernal equinox to separate. Your plant will start feeling like it wants to grow about that time, and a larger root mass will help ensure success.

Al
L. A. Nolan (nyc, zone 7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the insight! I was thinking of removing the air layer at the start of spring, then making another air layer along the main trunk close to the primary branches. I'd then hopefully be able to remove that air layer by the start of summer, then trunk chop the tree near the base of the trunk. I've read that Ficus benjamina many times do not survive a trunk chop with no leaves left under chop point, so I want to try it during best period for growth to increase chance of survival. But even if it dies, at least I've already got some nice sized cuttings and this air layer to root!
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years ago
Yes - trunk chops that far north are a little sketchy. It's best to keep cutting back to 'the last green' to force growth as low as you want it before you chop. Good luck!

Al

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