Blake: As you note, there are advantages and disadvantages to
both air layering techniques. Both work; it's your call.
And, yes, this is a perfect time to start an air layer in
Houston. I recall someone once saying they do it any time between
Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day. As long as you don't take it too
rigidly, this is a good rule of thumb.

Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Blake Wilkins
I've read of different methods for airlayering. One of course is
wrapping
the wound in sphagnum moss, then the moss ball in clear plastic
sheeting. I have also read of securing a 4" pot (or slightly
bigger) around the moss ball and leaving it open.

It seems the disadvantage of the open pot would be the rate at
which it
would dry out, but it seems it would also give easier access to
watering.
Concerning the plastic wrap, someone on the list once suggested
that the closed clear plastic wrap could result in much greater
internal heat during the hottest days, resulting in "parboiled
maple." The open pot would seem to allow excess heat to
dissipate... (?)
Any recommendations on each of these methods?

Also, I've received conflicting advice about the timing of
airlayering A.
plamatum. One one side, I was told to wait until late spring,
when the
leaves had sufficiently hardened off; on the other side, if you
wait much
past early spring it will be too hot. It is June in Houston,
temps are in
the 90s and I have 4 months of growing season left. Can I
airlayer today?
Thanks!
Blake in Houston

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