Epos' Japanese Maples

[leatherback]

Just to make sure you have the concept of airlayering down..

Roots form ABOVE the area where the bark is removed. So the bark above the cut area needs to be kept humid. THe main reason for keeping the section where the bark and cambium have been removed humid is to ensure the wood does not dry out while the layer is forming roots. The area that you have removed bark from is WAY more than needed and only increases risk of infections, drying out etcetc.



If I see this, I am concerned that you have the moss fairly low compared to where it is most needed.

 

[Epos7]

Just to make sure you have the concept of airlayering down..

Roots form ABOVE the area where the bark is removed. So the bark above the cut area needs to be kept humid.

Thanks! Yeah, I did the first two (big) air layers after watching some YouTube videos which recommended a 4" length of bark. I've since learned that's way overkill. I did know the roots would form above the cut, so I made sure to stuff extra sphagnum moss around the bark above the cut before wrapping it up.

The leaves above one of my smaller air layers had all dried up and disintegrated to the touch, so I cut that one off. Like the one I broke off on accident the other day, it too has formed a callus above the cut, but no roots yet. I trimmed it back to about 8" and stuck it in the covered bucket with the other one. It has no leaves, so I don't have high hopes for it.

These smaller ones were mostly for experimenting, so I'm not worried if some don't make it. Still have five or so of the smaller ones left on the tree, in addition to the two big ones.