Seiju elm air layer broke in storm! Advice, please!

[Smysgma]

I started an air layer on a seiju elm in early May (Zone 7a). Last night a strong storm came through and the air layer broke off at its base. I need advice on the best chances of saving it, please! I haven't removed the plastic yet, but I suspect the roots are rather minimal.

A little history: I first started the air layer with a black plastic pods and sphagnum moss, but in a number of weeks, I realized it was infested with ants. Not only were there ants in the pot, but when I tapped on the pod, dozens of ants would run out. After failing at several attempts to discourage the ants (submersing the pot in water, ant bait, diatomaceous earth), I decided to replace the pod with plastic so I could close the ends more tightly. At that time--a month ago--there was a big callus at the top and I saw very few roots, including just one that was perhaps three inches long and fairly strong.

(Interestingly, wrapping the air layer with plastic took care of the entire ant problem, even in the pot. I submersed the pot in water again yesterday and did not see a single ant.)

I have completely failed at getting cuttings from this tree to root, so I am especially worried about what to do next with this broken air layer.

If I put it in a pot with soil, should I leave the sphagnum moss intact to avoid damaging the roots?
Should I keep it inside near a window? Or should I keep it outside, perhaps with no direct sun?

We've already had temperatures around 100 degrees and we haven't reached the hottest time of the season.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[19Mateo83]

Yes, plant the whole layer, sphagnum moss and all. Proper moisture and keeping it out of direct sun will be the key here. That’s about all you can do.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Yes, plant the whole layer, sphagnum moss and all. Proper moisture and keeping it out of direct sun will be the key here. That’s about all you can do.

^^^ I agree with what he said... Make sure you don't overwater the soil, but try to mist the foliage.

 

[Smysgma]

Yes, plant the whole layer, sphagnum moss and all. Proper moisture and keeping it out of direct sun will be the key here. That’s about all you can do.

Thank you! Do you mean to keep it OUTSIDE out of direct sun (even though very hot) or inside?

 

[Smysgma]

^^^ I agree with what he said... Make sure you don't overwater the soil, but try to mist the foliage.

Thank you! I don't have any kind of automatic mister, but I'll keep misting it by hand. (I just passed up a system like that at an estate sale last week.

 

[19Mateo83]

Thank you! Do you mean to keep it OUTSIDE out of direct sun (even though very hot) or inside?

Yes. Elms are outdoor trees. Your home air conditioning will dry it out. Find a nice shady spot in your yard or the north side of your home and put it there.

 

[Shibui]

You will be surprised how few roots a Seiju needs to survive. We can root cuttings starting with no roots so even if your layer has a few small roots it is way ahead of any cutting. Even if it has only formed callus yet that's still way ahead of any cutting.
Use the same techniques as for cuttings - high humidity (misting or plastic bag/box) and never let the soil dry. Protect from hot sun an wind where possible.
In my experience nothing convinces a layer to grow roots like losing the ready supply of water and nutrients from the parent. Chances are still good for success.

 

[leatherback]

and wind

Important!