Air Layering: The Easy Way to Propagate Woody Plants

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Air layering, also known as marcotting, is a reliable propagation technique that allows you to root new plants while they are still attached to the parent plant. This reduces transplant shock and increases success rates compared to propagating from cuttings alone. Air layering is particularly useful for woody plants like trees, shrubs, and vines that can be difficult to root from cuttings.

The air layering process works by wounding the stem and enclosing it in a moist rooting medium like sphagnum moss. Over time, the plant responds by developing new roots within the moss ball. Once sufficiently rooted, the new plant can be cleanly separated from the parent and potted up on its own.

Not only is air layering effective, but it’s also an easy technique that even novice gardeners can master with the right guidance. In this post, we’ll cover all the steps, supplies needed, and timelines for successfully air layering your plants.

Plants Suitable for Air Layering

Air layering can be used on a wide variety of plants, but it is most commonly used to propagate:

Trees: Ficus, Dracaena, Bougainvillea , Citrus Trees, Olive Trees

Shrubs: Azaleas, Camellias, Hibiscus, Gardenias, Crotons, Jasmine

Vines: Clematis, Wisteria, Passionflower Vines 

Tropical Plants: Anthuriums, Bromeliads, Monstera, Philodendrons

The key factor is that the plant needs to have a semi-hardwood, mature stem that is at least pencil-thickness for the technique to work. Softwood stems don’t have the ability to develop roots from the wound.

Air Layering Step-by-Step

Supplies Needed:

– Sharp pruning shears or knife

– Toothpicks or aluminum wire

– Sphagnum moss

– Plastic wrap or aluminum foil

– Plant ties, string or electrical tape

1. Select a Stem

Choose a semi-hardwood, mature stem that is at least pencil-thickness and 12-18 inches long. The stem should be coming from a main branch on the parent plant.

2. Wound the Stem

About 6-12 inches from the tip, use a sharp knife to remove a 1-2 inch ring of bark all the way around the stem. Scrape away just enough to expose the inner green tissue without cutting too deeply into the stem.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional)

This step can encourage faster root development. Dip the wounded area in rooting hormone powder or liquid before continuing. Cinnamon powder can also work as a natural rooting hormone.

4. Prepare the Sphagnum Moss

Moisten a handful of sphagnum moss and wring out any excessed moisture so it’s damp but not dripping wet. You want it to hold moisture but not be soaking.

5. Pack the Moss

Pack and wrap the damp sphagnum moss tightly around the wounded stem area, encasing the ring completely in moss.

6. Wrap and Secure

Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the entire moss ball, securing the ends tightly with plant ties, string or electricians tape. This creates a humid micro-environment for rooting.

7. Wait for Roots

It’s a waiting game at this point! Leave the air layer completely undisturbed for 6-12 weeks. Healthy white roots will start emerging from the wounded area into the damp moss. 

8. Check for Roots

Carefully unwrap and check the moss ball periodically after 6-8 weeks. You should see white roots developing through the plastic when it’s ready.

9. Separate New Plant 

Once the roots have developed sufficiently, use sharp pruners to cut off the new rooted plant just below the bottom of the moss ball.

10. Pot Up the New Plant

Unwrap the moss ball completely and plant the new rooted section into a pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Water thoroughly and provide bright, filtered light.

With proper air layering technique, you can propagate multiples of your favorite plants from just one parent plant over time. Be patient as it can take 2-3 months for roots to develop fully. With the right plant and conditions, success rates can be over 80%.

Air layering is also useful for rescuing a plant that is declining – you can root the healthier sections while allowing the unhealthy base to eventually die off.

So give air layering a try on your woody ornamental plants and trees! It’s an easy, forgiving method to expand your plant collection for just a few dollars in supplies. Let us know your experiences with this technique.