Is this air layer ready to harvest?

[Shibui]

I will admit that when my layer came off with this level of roots, I pruned the layer back to maybe 5ft after separation.

I have regularly been amazed at just how few roots a layer can survive with (or without?). My theory is that the base of the layer is ready to grow new roots but just needs the reason to do it. Cutting off the food and water supply does that so the stem kicks root production into overdrive. We can get roots on cuttings from scratch so getting roots on a 'cutting' that is ready to grow them is much easier for the stem.
In any case, layers do survive with very few roots if they have to and if conditions are good.

 

[Grahamw]

Can I just say thanks to everyone for offering your advice and opinions! This is my first post on Bonsainut and I’m very encouraged by such an interesting and educational range of views and experience

 

[Jrmcmich]

Can I just say thanks to everyone for offering your advice and opinions! This is my first post on Bonsainut and I’m very encouraged by such an interesting and educational range of views and experience

Good luck with this and let us know how it goes when you decide to separate air layer.

 

[Grahamw]

Here’s an update - so I decided to separate the air layers about a week after the discussion above, and they’ve done really well. Planted into baskets and new roots coming through the pot by end of July!