Base air-layering a flowering tree for Bonsai

[brp7]

If we air-layer a flowering tree near the base, will the new bonsai inherit the mother plant’s genetics and flower as soon as new branches grow? If the tree is 3 to 4 inches thick at the base, will air-layering work?

I would appreciate any help.
Thanks!

 

[The Barber]

More specific details would help, species for one. Air layering is a method of cloning a plant, so yes it will be the same genetics. Generally thickness doesnt matter.

 

[brp7]

More specific details would help, species for one. Air layering is a method of cloning a plant, so yes it will be the same genetics. Generally thickness doesnt matter.

I mean, if I air-layer a half-inch branch of a flowering tree, it is going to take years to flower, correct? What I meant was, would the plant behave exactly like its mother if it were air-layered near its base? ( Otherwise, we have to work on the roots of the mother to make it a nebari system, which takes time)

 

[Shibui]

Cloned material is essentially the same age as the parent plan so layer from mature, flowering tree will be able to flower the following season provided flowering age wood is present. layering and cuttings are both methods for clonal propagation of plants.
Note that some flowering trees need to develop fruiting wood to flower. Pruning hard after separating a layer may remove such fruiting wood and delay flowering for a year or 2. Actual results vary from species to species so best to be specific about what trees you are considering here.

Not sure what you are trying to get at re roots and nebari???

 

[brp7]

Not sure what you are trying to get at re roots and nebari???
Shibui,
I have a flowering crepe myrtle, which has been on the ground for over five years. I had only twice worked on its roots before 2022. So, if I want to make a Bonsai from that so that it flowers in no time, I think I can work on its roots to make it a nebari, but it will take years, I suppose.

 

[brp7]

Cloned material is essentially the same age as the parent plan so layer from mature, flowering tree will be able to flower the following season provided flowering age wood is present. layering and cuttings are both methods for clonal propagation of plants.
Note that some flowering trees need to develop fruiting wood to flower. Pruning hard after separating a layer may remove such fruiting wood and delay flowering for a year or 2. Actual results vary from species to species so best to be specific about what trees you are considering here.

Not sure what you are trying to get at re roots and nebari???

"Not sure what you are trying to get at re roots and nebari???"
Shibui,
I have a flowering crepe myrtle, which has been on the ground for over five years. I had only twice worked on its roots before 2022. So, if I want to make a Bonsai from that so that it flowers in no time, I think I can work on its roots to make it a nebari, but it will take years, I suppose.

 

[leatherback]

"Not sure what you are trying to get at re roots and nebari???"
Shibui,
I have a flowering crepe myrtle, which has been on the ground for over five years. I had only twice worked on its roots before 2022. So, if I want to make a Bonsai from that so that it flowers in no time, I think I can work on its roots to make it a nebari, but it will take years, I suppose.

why did you not just lift the tree?

I see people thinking that airlayerin will somehow create a good nebari instantly. In reality, a nebari takes time to mature, for the roots to get size and taper and movement. For the cuts in the bark to become less apparent etc.

Very often people airlayer trees which had a very good start for a nebari, and their final image would have been quicker with proper repeated rootwork.

 

[Shibui]

Very often people airlayer trees which had a very good start for a nebari, and their final image would have been quicker with proper repeated rootwork.

Yes!
crepe myrtle is strong and resilient. You can root prune very hard and still get good growth. You can root prune several years in a row and still get good growth while developing a good nebari in short time frame. Best course can only be decided after checking the existing root system. If the existing root system is really bad, layering may be quickest. If your tree has some good existing lateral roots, proper, repeated root work is likely to be quicker.
Crepe myrtle will flower from cuttings provided we let the summer shoots extend so should flower in 1 or 2 years after layering or severe root work. Flowering is not the problem when dealing with crepe myrtle. Nebari improvements likely to take longer whether you decide to layer or to continue with root pruning.