Air Layering (or Marcotting) is the practice of propagating a new plant from a branch still attached to the parent plant, by getting roots to form on the branch. Once the roots have formed inside the Air Layering Capsule, the stem can be cut from the parent plant (underneath the new root ball) and a new plant is ready for potting or planting out. Air layering propagation will produce genetically parallel new plants (clones) which carry all the characteristics of the parent, and is a process that often occurs naturally when a low branch or stem touches the ground and takes root. Air layering is fairly simple, with these capsules helping to reproduce a more mature plant faster and often more successfully than traditional cutting methods, especially for difficult to propagate plants. Most plants can be air layered, including tropical indoor plants, climbers, roses, magnolias, camellias, rhododendron, azaleas, as well as nut and fruit producers like apples, pears, pecans and citrus. The capsules are designed with stoppers and corner interlocks to hold the propagator in place on the branch, or you can use plastic ties to hold the pods in place. The capsules are sturdy and durable enough to be reused over and over again so you can propagate to your heart’s content! Black air layering pods are generally considered superior because their dark colour absorbs sunlight to increase heat (which stimulates faster root growth) while blocking light to prevent algae growth in the moss. This dark, moist, and warm environment mimics soil, speeding up the rooting process and leading to higher success rates. Direct, intense sunlight can however sometimes cause overheating. To prevent this, black pods should ideally be placed in shade or partial sun, or if that's not possible you can wrap the pods in aluminum foil to reflect heat. Small suits stem diameters 6-8mm.Medium suits stem diameters 8-12mm.Sold individually to reduce waste. Directions: Select a vertical branch. Just below the bud make 2 horizontal cuts in the bark 10 cm apart Peel the bark away between the cuts to expose the inner cambium Fill the capsule with sphagnum moss and clamp the capsule around the exposed cambium Seal the capsule to prevent drying out, and water weekly. Check for root growth after 6 weeks Once established, cut the branch below the capsule and plant out.
