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How to Air Propagate Plants
How to Air Propagate Plants. Air layering is a method of rooting new plants while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. Air layering improves your chances of success when propagating plants that don't root easily from cuttings. The part of the plant that forms new roots is called the layer. While attached to the parent plant, it continues...
Air layering is a method of rooting new plants while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. Air layering improves your chances of success when propagating plants that don't root easily from cuttings. The part of the plant that forms new roots is called the layer. While attached to the parent plant, it continues receiving moisture and nutrients. After several weeks, new roots form and the layer is cut away from the parent plant to survive on its own.
Things You'll Need
Sharp knife
Toothpick
Rooting hormone
Sphagnum moss
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Twist ties
Choose a layering site on your your plant that has a straight stem and several healthy leaves above it. An area just below a node and about 1 foot from the tip is best.
Remove the leaves from the stem three to four inches above and below the layering site.
Wound the stem. For woody stems, make two shallow, parallel cuts about 1 inch apart that encircle the stem. Connect the two cuts with a vertical cut, then peel the ring of bark away. Cut a little deeper if the bark doesn't come away easily.
For plants with fleshy stems, make an upward slanting cut in the stem. Insert a piece of a toothpick to hold it open.
Dust the wound with rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Moisten the sphagnum moss. Wrap the wounded area with the moss, then enclose the area with plastic wrap. Hold it in place with twist ties; this gives you easy access when you need to check for moisture.
Wrap aluminum foil around the plastic wrap if the plant sits in direct sunlight. This reflects the sun and keeps the layering area from overheating.
Check periodically for moisture and new roots. Keep the sphagnum moss moist, but not soggy.
Cut the layer off once it has rooted. Make the cut just below the bundle of moss and plastic wrap. Remove the plastic wrap and moss. Pot or plant the layer right away. Root formation may take several weeks.
Tips & Warnings
If the wounded area of the stem is weak, support it with a splint to prevent breakage.
Make sure that none of the sphagnum moss extends outside the plastic wrap. It can act as a wick, pulling moisture out of the bundle.
