Skip to main content
Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Part 5: Propagation by grafting and layering

6. Propagation by layering

6.6. Air layering

A plastic wrap being placed around around the cut in a branch
The bottom of the bag is tied at the bottom to create a pocket around the cut area
The pocket is filled with moss
The pocket is filled with moss

Air layering of Ulmus pumila
Mihailo Grbic via Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 RS

A moss filled plastic wrap secured around a cut section of branch

Air layering of Ficus decora
Mihailo Grbic via Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 RS

Drawing of a cut section of branch which is then wrapped in a moss filled bag tied above and below the cut

Amber Crowley / public domain

Method
  1. Choose a strong, healthy branch.
  2. Cut all the way round the branch in two places, about 1 or 1.5 inches apart and peel off the bark in that section, exposing the green cambium layer underneath.
  3. Wrap the area with a handful of damp moss, making sure all the cut surface is covered.
  4. Wrap the moss in plastic, such as cling film or a sandwich bag, so that the moss is all sealed inside. Tie above and below the moss to form a sealed pouch which will keep the moisture in.
  5. Leave for 6-8 weeks, then check for root formation. Once roots have formed, cut through the branch below the roots, remove the plastic and plant the branch.