How to air layer this schefflera?

[hagmanma]

My first contribution to the forum...

As I like banyan trees, I have been looking for an old dwarf schefflera. Without success. While googling, I came across a store that offers scheffleras with a decent trunk (approx. 80 cm high, approx. 6 cm thick) at a good price. I bought it without thinking twice. I want to air layer the upper part, but I've never done it before. The theory is clear to me. Is there anything else to consider in this particular case?

The tree is on its way to me and will look something like this...

Thank you!
Martin

 

[Shibui]

Schefflera are among the easiest plants to propagate. Sometimes they will produce air roots without any intervention other than high humidity. Just wrapping some moss or soil around the trunk will usually produce some roots but I would still use layering technique to get the new roots where wanted rather than randomly where the tree decides.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Where are you planning to air layer? Never done it on schefflera before but I do have some limited experience.

The air roots can also be moved (to a degree 45) during a repot. You can buy an old one or make a "new" one look old. air roots are easy to get with misting & high humidity. Tough part with banyan in my opinion is getting good movement in the branches.

my first attempt at schefferlera banyan. LINK Where are you located on this planet? Seasonal advice is huge.

 

[hagmanma]

I have read your thread, thank you!
I live in Switzerland in the mountains. The period where my tropicals can stay outside
Is short. But i have a little indoor greenhouse and enough led-power to let them feel comfortable during the cold time.

I want to have a trunk thats is about 20-25 cm high (8 - 10 inch).

 

[Nera]

@hagmanma fill in your location and USDA Zone, it will help people assist you better

 

[hagmanma]

@hagmanma fill in your location and USDA Zone, it will help people assist you better

I updated it. I live in usda Zone 5.

 

[hagmanma]

I updated it. I live in usda Zone 5.

Sorry, zone 6.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I have read your thread, thank you!
I live in Switzerland in the mountains. The period where my tropicals can stay outside
Is short. But i have a little indoor greenhouse and enough led-power to let them feel comfortable during the cold time.

I want to have a trunk thats is about 20-25 cm high (8 - 10 inch).

The one you have is 31 inches and you want to take it to 9 inches. As long as the tree is healty it should air layer for you. these schefflera are pretty tough. I've never done that but I think it will respond well if you do it in Spring. Good luck, report back please.

Google said this.

It is best to do air-layering in autumn or spring. To do this, cut into the stem of the umbrella plant from the bottom upwards creating a flat flap. The cut should end just below a dormant bud or leaf. Insert a small stone or damp moss into the cut to keep it from closing up again.

 

[hagmanma]

Thanks for your reply!
I think the cut with the flat flap is for smaller
Scheffleras. Or i have to cut 3 or 4 flaps around the trunk. I will recieve the plant in some days and will post pictures soon!

 

[hagmanma]

here is a banyan schefflera that i have found on the fuku website. That is my goal.
But in smaller size…

 

[hagmanma]

10 days later the schefflera is in my home now.

It looks more or less like the example tree in the picture. I will make 2 trees of it.
1 Airlayer from the top
1 from a Chop about 10 inch over the surface.

I think i will cut away what I don’t want
And will let it grow during summer.
Then do the airlayering.
Here’s a picture…