JM Air layer question 9b

[socobonsai]

I’ve successfully (seemingly) gotten my first attempt at an air layer to push roots. Everything seems to be very happy and all the conditions are pretty under control 3 months into the process.
My question is about when to remove from the tree and plant into a pot. I have no time pressure so I can allow it to stay as is indefinitely. I would imagine at some point I reach a diminishing return for keeping it in the pod?
Are there enough roots based on the pics to remove and plant now or should I wait for an increase in roots?
Do I need to consider summer conditions coming (heat, lack of moisture) as motivation to cut and plant now or so long as I keep and eye on moisture in the pod, let it keep rolling as is?
Generally, how late is too late in the year to removed from tree and plant in a pot if I decide to keep it attached to the tree to allow further root development?
Finally, would it be recommended to transplant into a 1-2 gallon plastic pot for a year or two or is going directly into the ground to allow it to thicken up for a few years and/bad idea?
I know it’s a few questions. Thanks for not mobbing me. Just a new guy trying to learn.
Many thanks!

 

[socobonsai]

I should add that I’m in Sonoma County 9 b.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Right now that it's rooted I would leave it til time to separate in Mid-late august., I would cut back the main branches to about my marks. I would separate, and pot up with minimal root work performed in mid-late august. Keep it in partial shade (morning and late afternoon sun only).

 

[socobonsai]

Ok, great. Prune back now roughly at your marks but leave connected to tree until mid-August then pit up to a 1-2 gallon plastic pot? That’s easy enough!
Thank you.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

You can wait to prune til separation or prune now. Pruning now might get some finer branching but either way youll want to reduce water dependency at time of separation.