Air layering is an old fashioned way of starting new plants that are typically difficult to root. Examples of these plants would be Crotons, Magnolias, Azaleas, and Lychee nut. Earlier this year I was able to watch as my husband demonstrated the process on a Michellia alba in our own yard.
First, Chuck measured down from the tip of selected branches approximately 12 inches. Using a sharp knife he then peeled away the outer bark leaving a “wound” of about ¾” to 1” long all around the branch. Next he applied a very light dusting of rooting hormone to the wound. Using moist but not sopping wet sphagnum moss, Chuck then wrapped the wound for complete coverage. After applying the moss he covered the entire area with aluminum foil which created a fully enclosed pouch. The foil will reflect the sun light away from the newly exposed area and keeps the sphagnum moss from getting too hot and drying out.
Weeks may pass before any rooting is obvious and patience is required for this technique. Check for roots by gently opening the foil pouch, being careful not to let the moss fall away. Once your plants have rooted, you can cut the new plant away from the mother plant and plant as you would newly rooted cuttings. The air layering process is best done in the spring but can also be done indoors with household plants throughout the year. Try this experiment at home but be prepared to wait awhile for results.
