Propagation: the aerial layering technique

Jerry Coleby-Williams shows us how to propagate plants using the aerial layering technique.

Aerial Layering:
This method encourages roots to grow from a scarred stem, but brings the soil to the branch rather than bending the branch to the ground. It is useful for of a wide range of plants, including magnolias and figs. Jerry demonstrates aerial layering on a Lord Howe Island fig (Ficus macrophylla subsp. columnaris), which can grow as large as a football field if planted outside, spreading with aerial roots.

First, select the section of the tree where the older wood meets last season’s greener growth. Create a small cut there and add some honey for its antibacterial qualities. This will also help the rooting hormone powder stick to it, which is your next step. Trim a small piece of matchstick to use as a wedge; place this in the nick to hold the cut open while roots develop. Next, place some moistened coco peat onto a piece of cling film, and wrap this around the cut and squeeze into place. Cover this with silver foil to block out the sun and help keep the roots cool as they develop. Secure the bundle with some plastic-coated wire and wait patiently, checking occasionally to see if roots have developed. Once they form, this section can be removed from the mother plant and replanted in the ground or in a pot.


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