Air layering is an ingenious yet straightforward plant propagation technique that allows you to clone plants without the use of special rooting hormones or equipment. This tried-and-true method has been used for centuries to propagate plants that are difficult to start from cuttings. With just a few simple materials like sphagnum moss, plastic wrap, and twist ties, you can create genetically identical new plants.
What Is Air Layering?
Air layering, also known as air propagation, marcotting, gootee, or Chinese layering, involves encouraging aerial roots to form on a branch while it’s still attached to the parent plant. A section of bark is removed and the exposed wood is covered with a rooting medium. Once ample roots form, the branch can be cut off and planted as a new, independent plant.
This ancient Asian technique takes advantage of the natural tendency of many plants to generate adventitious roots from stems and branches when conditions are right. By providing the right humid, protected environment on part of a branch, roots are stimulated to grow right out of the stem.
Why Use Air Layering for Propagation
Air layering has many advantages over other propagation methods:
- It’s a simple, low-cost technique that doesn’t require fancy tools or growth hormones.
- Air layered plants tend to establish quicker with less transplant shock since they already have an intact root system when detached.
- You can propagate plants that are otherwise difficult to root from cuttings. Many woody shrubs and trees propagate better through air layering.
- It allows you to multiply your existing plants without sacrificing the parent plant. Just one plant can provide you with many identical clones.
- Air layers encourage vigorous root growth in a controlled space, allowing you to produce sturdy new plants with dense root balls.
- This method eliminates the need to deal with issues like fungal problems or improper soil temperatures that can cause failure in traditional stem cuttings.
- Air layering has a very high success rate when done properly. It’s a reliable way to get results.
What Plants Can Be Air Layered?
A wide variety of plants are suitable for air layering propagation. Generally, plants that have stems with a woody texture can be air layered. Some species that respond especially well include:
- Fruit trees – citrus, apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry
- Ornamental trees and shrubs – magnolia, hibiscus, gardenia, rose, camellia, azalea, rhododendron
- Houseplants – rubber plant, dracaena, dieffenbachia, ficus, schefflera, croton
- Tropical plants – coffee, black pepper, vanilla orchid, cocoa, mangosteen
- Bonsai specimens
Plants that have soft, herbaceous stems are not the best candidates, but air layering can work on plants like tomato and hibiscus in some cases. It’s always worth trying out on any plant you wish to propagate.
Step-By-Step Air Layering Instructions
Air layering requires careful preparation but is easy to execute. Follow these steps for success:
Gather Materials
You’ll need just a few supplies:
- A growing, healthy parent plant that is at least one year old
- Sphagnum moss – this fibrous moss holds moisture extremely well
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Twist ties, electrical tape, or another material to secure the plastic wrap around the stem
- Sharp, clean pruning shears, knife, or razor blade
Select a Branch
Choose a stem or branch that is at least pencil-width thickness. Make sure the branch is healthy, undamaged, and has some leaf nodes along it. Nodes are the points where leaves emerge.
The best place for air layering is often just below a node. Select a section of stem that is straight and free of side branches, wounds, or bends.
Wound the Stem
Remove the bark and cambium layer (green tissue just under the bark) from a 1-2 inch section of the stem. This wounding stimulates rooting.
You can carefully slice off the bark with a knife or razor blade. Scrape the green cambium layer with the blade until you see lighter wood underneath.
Be careful not to cut too deeply or damage the vascular tissue of the stem. A shallow wound is ideal.
Apply Rooting Medium
Pack the wound with damp (not soggy) sphagnum moss. Wrap the moss entirely around the stripped section of stem.
You want the moss to envelope the wound fairly thickly. It provides humidity, nutrients, and a rooting matrix.
Wrap in Plastic
Use plastic wrap to completely encase the sphagnum-wrapped section of the stem. Wrap it tightly enough to prevent the moss from falling away, but avoid constricting the stem.
You can secure the plastic with twist ties, electrical tape or another material. Aluminum foil between the plastic and moss adds extra environmental control.
Wait for Root Growth
Keep the plastic wrap in place for 1-3 months. Check periodically by unwrapping the plastic momentarily.
Look for white nubs of new root tissue developing through the moss. When the roots are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, abundant, and healthy, it’s time for the next step.
Sever the Air Layer
Use clean, sharp pruners to cut off the air layer branch just below the plastic wrapped section. Remove the plastic, being careful to keep the moss and roots intact.
Plant the new cutting right away in a pot with appropriate potting mix. Water well and care for it normally as it transitions to an independent plant.
Caring for Air Layers
Proper care during rooting is key to getting vigorous, healthy clones from air layering. Here are some tips:
- Perform air layering during the plant’s active growing season when conditions are warm and humid.
- Keep the moss moist but not saturated while roots form. Mist periodically.
- Place small weights or stones in the moss wrap if it starts to fall away from the stem.
- Shade air layers on sun-loving plants to prevent overheating under the plastic.
- Check under the plastic weekly and remove at first sign of pests, disease, or stem damage.
- Support weighted branches with stakes if needed to prevent breakage.
- Transplant new air layer plants into pots suited for the species, and care for them as you would any new plant divisions. Shelter them until established.
Troubleshooting Common Air Layering Problems
Air layering is not completely foolproof, but you can avoid most issues with proper technique. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
No roots are growing – The stem may have dried out. Keep moss consistently moist and wrap tighter with plastic if needed. Rooting hormone powder can help stimulate growth.
Roots are small/weak – Increase humidity levels by double wrapping in plastic or using aluminum foil. Move to a warmer spot or heat mat.
Stems mushy/rotting – Drain excess moisture and allow to dry out somewhat. Remove plastic temporarily for increased airflow. Apply fungicide if necessary.
Moss slips off – Wrap more snugly with tape or plant ties. Place small stones or weights in moss to hold it against the stem.
Pests like aphids or fungus gnats – Remove plastic, wash off pests, treat with appropriate organic pest control, and start fresh.
Air layer droops or breaks off – Stake and tie stems above air layer site to provide support during rooting phase.
Enjoy Your New Plant Clones!
Air layering is an easy, low-cost, highly effective way to get more plants from the specimens you already have. With this simple technique, your plants act as their own nursery, generating new roots before you sever the new clone. Get creative and try air layering all kinds of trees, shrubs, houseplants, and other woody-stemmed plants. Just follow the basic steps, and with a little practice you’ll be propagating like a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about air layering:
What time of year is best for air layering?
The most ideal time is during the plant’s active growing season when warmth and humidity levels are high. In cooler climates, this is typically late spring through summer.
How long does it take for roots to form?
Rooting time varies by species and climate conditions, but generally 1-3 months. Check periodically to monitor progress. Mature roots at least 1/4 inch long are ideal before removing the air layer.
Do I need rooting hormone for air layering?
Rooting hormone is optional, but can help stimulate root growth in some plants when using the air layering technique. Use a powder or gel product designed for woody stems.
Can I air layer a branch that has flowers or fruit?
It’s best to avoid branches with very young flowers, flower buds, or immature fruit. Mature, nearly ripe fruit may be ok, but divert the plant’s energy to root production.
Why does air layering work better than cuttings for some plants?
Remaining attached to the parent plant allows air layers to continue receiving nutrients and hormones that aid root formation. Cuttings are more prone to drought stress and disease.
How do I care for new air layer plants after separating them?
After detachment from the parent, transplant air layers into suitable pots and medium. Shelter them for a few weeks to help transition to independent plants. Otherwise care for as mature plants.
Conclusion
Air layering provides a simple, highly effective way to clone your favorite plants while avoiding the pitfalls of other propagation techniques. This centuries-old practice takes advantage of natural rooting processes to produce identical new plants that establish with ease. With just sphagnum moss, plastic, and a stem wound you can create an instant nursery right on your plant! If you want reliable results propagating plants that are difficult to start from cuttings, air layering is the method you need to try.