Скачать или смотреть Japanese maple air layering, cascade

How to air layer a Japanese maple acer palmatum a large tree and small cascade to create a cascade maple bonsai

Air layering is a method of propagating plants by inducing roots to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing air layering on a maple tree bonsai:

Materials Needed
Sharp knife or pruning shears
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)
Sphagnum moss or similar rooting medium
Plastic wrap or a plastic bag
Twine, string, or tape
Aluminum foil (optional)

Steps

1. **Choose the Branch**: Select a healthy, young branch on your maple bonsai that is about the thickness of a pencil. Make sure the branch is free from disease and damage.

2. **Make the Incision**:
Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make two parallel cuts around the circumference of the branch, about 1-2 inches apart.
Connect the two cuts with a vertical slit and carefully remove the bark and cambium layer between the cuts, exposing the inner wood. Ensure that you remove all the cambium to prevent it from healing and reforming bark.

3. **Apply Rooting Hormone**: Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area to encourage root growth. This step is optional but can significantly improve the chances of successful rooting.

4. **Wrap with Moss**: Soak sphagnum moss in water and then squeeze out the excess moisture. Wrap the moistened moss around the exposed area, ensuring it covers the entire cut section.

5. **Wrap with Plastic**:
Wrap the moss with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to hold it in place and maintain moisture.
Secure the ends of the plastic wrap with twine, string, or tape to ensure it stays in place and retains moisture.

6. **Cover with Foil**: Optionally, you can wrap aluminum foil around the plastic to protect it from sunlight and help maintain a consistent temperature.

7. **Monitor and Maintain**:
Check the air layer regularly to ensure the moss stays moist. You might need to open the wrapping occasionally to moisten the moss if it starts to dry out.
Over several weeks to a few months, roots should begin to form. The exact time can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions.

8. **Cut and Plant**: Once a substantial amount of roots have formed, typically after a few months:
Cut the branch just below the root ball.
Plant the new rooted branch in a suitable pot with well-draining bonsai soil.

9. **Care for the New Plant**: Keep the newly potted tree in a shaded area and gradually acclimate it to more sunlight. Water it regularly and care for it as you would a young bonsai.

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate a maple tree bonsai through air layering. This method allows you to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent tree.

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