Bonsaify | Air Layering Success with Japanese Maple Bonsai!

Eric shares the results of his attempt to create two air layers from his large field-grown Japanese Maple. If you missed the previous video about this tree from May 2022, please give it a watch:    • Bonsaify | Branch Cuts and Air Layeri...  

The tree has been in the greenhouse since May, and Eric is excited to see visible roots in the sphagnum moss from both air layer attempts!

00:00:55 Eric first works on the higher but easier air layer to separate.

00:01:31 Now with a better view of the second air layer, Eric can see roots coming out eve on the top.

00:02:12 Air layers are removed! Back to the original composition.

00:02:40 First Eric cuts the low branch back and see that a bud grew out exactly where he wanted it to! He leaves a second large bud as a sacrifice branch to fatten the trunk and build the taper he wants.

00:04:10 Eric cuts back the branches he wants to keep as finished branches.

00:05:01 Looking at the "right side" of the tree and making decisions on which buds/branches to keep and which to remove.

00:06:14 Moving up the trunk - cutting back a finish branch that's already a little big to allow the a vigorous reaction from the outer node while hoping it sends out smaller growth from the inner node.

00:07:58 Keeping branches small to continue developing taper in the trunk.

00:08:47 Top of tree decisions.

00:10:19 Cut from previous top and sacrifice branch. Eric is excited about a new bud that will become the top of the trunk!

00:11:29 More saw work and branch cuts.

00:12:22 Next steps are wiring work on branches meant to be finished, bud thinning, and adding cut paste or wound sealant to all large cuts.

00:14:00 Eric explains his wiring decisions on the new trunk top.

00:14:48 Both air layers were soaked in water immediately after separation. Eric removes the first air layer from the container and cleans it up.

00:16:14 Combed out roots and potted back into a one gallon can!

00:17:14 On the second air layer, Eric removes all long branching and a majority of the leaves, and then reviews the new roots.

00:18:18 Eric looks at the angle of the nebari before cleaning up the roots and planting the tree in a one gallon can for the rest of the growing season. Both new trees will go back to the greenhouse, while the original larger composition will go back to the Farm for more field growing time.

Do you have experience with air layering Japanese maples? Tell us about it in the comments below! Please like and share this video, and subscribe to our channel!