air layer medium?

  • hein
  • Offline Topic Author
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
  • Posts: 127
  • Thanks received: 2

air layer medium? was created by hein

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1348
I want to air layer this spring and I pretty much know what to do. I wanna try to air layer using sphagnum moss. I have in my backyard a patch of moss which looks identicle to sphagnum moss. Can I just use moss as a medium? And should it be dry or can I use it wet?
by hein

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • BassandBonsai
  • Offline
  • Elite Member
  • Elite Member
  • Posts: 180
  • Thanks received: 0

Replied by BassandBonsai on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1350
Hmm, where do you live, and do you know what variety it is? I know that the sphagnum moss commonly used has almost completely decomposed.
by BassandBonsai

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Pinkham
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 800
  • Thanks received: 62

Replied by Pinkham on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1357
First of all you need to know if there is any kind of fungus in the moss that would harm the tree. an air layer is like an open wound. putting fungus or any kind of harmful bacteria on it wouldn't be too good.
by Pinkham

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • hein
  • Offline Topic Author
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
  • Posts: 127
  • Thanks received: 2

Replied by hein on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1365
Bassandbonsai, I live in Wellington in the Western Cape. I have no clue what variety it is. I saw this patch of moss that looked like Sphagnum Moss. I googled it and the pics looks very similar.

Pinkham, I don't know if any fungus is lurking somewhere. I will rather go and buy sphagnum moss cause I don't wanna kill the air layer due to stupidity from my side
by hein

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • leatherback
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 8620
  • Thanks received: 3654

Replied by leatherback on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1367
Hi there,
effectively any medium which retains moisture should work, as long as it is clean. I use potting soil for air-layers; works fine.

You asked re using wet or dry'the layering is done with moist material, kept moist throughout. That is what stimulates the rooting.
by leatherback

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • BassandBonsai
  • Offline
  • Elite Member
  • Elite Member
  • Posts: 180
  • Thanks received: 0

Replied by BassandBonsai on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1386
Yeah, it would probably be best to just buy some sphagnum moss, or potting soil if you prefer leatherback's approach. I just know that the sphagnum moss I bought for my air-layering was decomposed, not which variety was used or how harmful fungi/bacteria were removed.
by BassandBonsai

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • hein
  • Offline Topic Author
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
  • Posts: 127
  • Thanks received: 2

Replied by hein on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1682
this is the chinese elm that want to air layer. Can a trunk air layer be attempted?
by hein

This message has an attachment image.
Please log in or register to see it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Pinkham
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 800
  • Thanks received: 62

Replied by Pinkham on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1683
Hein,
You can air layer the elm pretty soon. You're coming in to spring in South Africa right?
by Pinkham

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • hein
  • Offline Topic Author
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
  • Posts: 127
  • Thanks received: 2

Replied by hein on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1685
Is there perhaps a fool proof way of air layering a trunk or is the same as any layer? My medium is 50 50 potting soil and perlite
by hein

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Pinkham
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 800
  • Thanks received: 62

Replied by Pinkham on topic Re: air layer medium?

Posted 12 years 9 months ago #1689
Sphagnum moss is recommended but you can use potting soil or pretty much any medium that will hold moisture.
by Pinkham

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Close Button