This past spring I layered two large hinoki cypress (see “Hinoki Air Layer”). I was unsure of the project’s success when I started and I remain uncertain today. The results so far are mixed.
Tree #1
Tree #2
Tree #2 layer
What accounts for the difference? The layers were done at about the same time and according to the same basic technique. There were, however, two differences that stand out to me. One is the root hormone used. Tree number 1 received liquid root hormone, while tree 2 received cloning gel. The different hormone could have made a difference, but I believe the more important distinction is that the healthy tree was repotted in bonsai soil the previous year while tree 2 was still growing in a mix of clay (from the ball and burlap treatment) and pure organic soil. As this isn’t a controlled study, I have no way of knowing to what degree, if any, these differences actually contributed to the results.
I took a peek to see if the healthy tree has sent out roots, but I didn’t see any in the tiny spot along the trunk where I looked. That said, a friend who bought a hinoki from the same batch has spotted a few roots in the tree he air layered this past spring. Although the roots are small, the tree is healthy. I’m not sure what kind of hormone was used, but I do know the tree was repotted and is growing in bonsai soil.
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Zack Clayton says
Cloning gel works for cuttings very well, but I have never tried it with an air layer. I might need to experiment on my collection of volunteers.
Francesc Sans says
Try Vitamin B (150mg/litre), apply with a brush over the rooting zone and continue spraying and watering with a more diluted mix (100mg/l) every 15 days.
LeeBee says
did you foliar feed during this period?
Jonas Dupuich says
I’ve fed the tree with liquid and dry fertilizer but have not fed the foliage or the layer.
marcus watts says
good follow up, thanks, it is good to see the mixed but poor results as i was considering airlayering some multi trunked trees next spring. Really the one thing it does show is to not bother buying grafted hinoki to make bonsai from but to find trees grown originally from seed or cuttings – the true forestry hinoki is the one needed too rather than the garden shrub – forestry trees have far more manageable pad type foliage and grow quicker while the garden varieties make dense balls of whorled foliage fans. fantastic species when you find a good source though.