Air Layer Japanese Black Pine in just 4 Months

[@hongbinli5597]

Thank you so much for sharing! Will try on my baby black pines when they get big enough!

[@DeciduousSnurb]

You bet! Good luck with your layering!

[@davidreid622]

Marvelous, thank you from Scotland.

[@jaguardelcielo]

Thi s video in itself is gold. Thank you.

[@joeydupre6153]

Great technique! I've talked to a couple of local bonsai enthusiasts that told me "Black pines don't air layer". I plan on proving them wrong. LOL

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@joeydupre6153 Thanks Joey. Yeah definitely let them know it's possible, though the success rate goes down significantly as you try to layer thicker branches, but it's fun to say it can be done for sure.

[@Albanus35]

Can't thank you enough for sharing this, I'm just applying this technique over here, fingers crossed... Cheers from Brazil.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Good Luck, Cheers!

[@BudgetBonsai]

Great work! Thank you for sharing valuable information and methodology 🙏

[@antoniojosegarcia9469]

Man that was a great video. Thx for sharing!!

[@tomcrookes5689]

What a brilliant video thanks for showing us your technique. Could you try some in 2025 but leaving the new candles on to see or even half the candles to see what happens. We need a control study 😊

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I hadn't planned to do any JBP air layers for 2025, but I will consider it for sure (I'll probably give in and do more anyway.) I've got till May to decide. Good idea, thanks!

[@tomcrookes5689]

@DeciduousSnurb do it haha...

[@mattbrennan647]

That’s absolutely amazing Kevin. I’ll give this a try when I cut the sacrificial branches on my JBP. By the way, the seedlings you sent me are doing fantastic. I’ll email you some pics soon. Thanks, keep growing

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thanks Matt I've been meaning to put something like this together for a couple years now and finally got to it. I hope it works for you as well with those sacrificial branches. Good to hear about the seedlings, I'll check them out.

[@johnrb9397]

I very comprehensive and informative video. You seem to have great success and have inspired me to get a black pine and do likewise since they are quite expensive where I live. Thank you for thanking the time to share. Jesus bless you and your family.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thank you. Yes I've been lucky enough to find success with this method, though the very first year I tried I failed. The following 3 years were a success. If you decide to try this with Black Pine, I suggest maybe letting the pine grow a bit and get some vigor initially.

[@johnrb9397]

@@DeciduousSnurb yes I see that this possibly is part of your success. Ground planting also :).

[@utubeyahoo4444]

You are a great teacher. Thank you. I have a lot of confidence that I can try this technique next year.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I think as long as the tree is healthy, vigorous and gets plenty of sun it should work. Wanted to get this video out earlier so some people could try it this year but I figure better late than never. Thanks for the kind words and good luck with your air layering.

[@smokereapergaming3861]

Bro, thank you for this great video. I never thought you could airlayer black pine, but I see how it works now as the new puds grow, so does the roots. Thank you again 😊

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Yes I think it might have something to do with it. In the coming years I might experiment with not removing the buds on this particular tree. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@cactsai]

Interestingly enough, that garden kuramatsu you've been layering has real potential as a bonsai now that it's thick. Those low branches can be removed bit by bit and/or turned into jin, the trunk cleaned up using a concave pruner and knob cutter, allowed to callous over, and then slowly styled to begin taking shape as a bonsai with a thick trunk. It could look gnarly and quite rugged. After a few years, it can be dug up and put in a large training pot until ultimately it ends up in an appropriately sized bonsai pot. The inverse taper is workable now that the trunk is as fat as it is. It would be slow, but it could make a killer bonsai.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Yes I agree with you on that. I've been eyeing the base lately and noticing it has gotten better and I definitely see some potential. I've even been digging around the rootbase the last couple years to keep the rootball tight just in case I want to train as bonsai.

[@sagebonsai]

Thank you for such a instructional video. My local bonsai club will be doing air layering class this Wednesday. This would be a great informational topic to discuss. Also first video and I have subscribe to your channel.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

That sounds great. I probably need to look into joining a bonsai club. Thanks for watching and the kind comment!

[@TexasBonsai]

Wow that’s pretty cool! I didn’t know that you could air layer pines like this! Now I’m getting some ideas… 😏

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@TexasBonsai Yeah it's just certain pines species from what I've heard. I do owe George Muranaka for my ability to do it successfully though. Thanks for the comment TexasBonsai!

[@joelbellJB]

@@DeciduousSnurb🫡

[@garlanddavidson6845]

Interesting technique! I always had trouble with black pines They're like the most hardest plants to air- layer ever I've never heard or seen this vertical cuts technique Promoting radial root structure Promoting A Future nabari Perhaps ? Make sense vary interesting I wonder if this would work on other air layers? I might try this Next spring Because I'm Amateur Bonsai enthusiast\ Hobbyist etc...There was another technique that I learned that I was read somewhere ? But it's just for junipers Specifically Idk black pine It's called the wiring technique To where you force wire to push up buds in causing Root growth around the stem Like you would still use Pete moss Perlite & coco core Types of media In containers Followed by Invarius Types of rooting hormone You just don't make any incision like a cutting the ring around the stem, All you do is tighten a wire around the Stem Where you would put a cut Pushing up buds Promoting Root growth Not even cutting into the Zion Cambium layer.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Yes I think that is the reason George Muranaka implemented the vertical cuts, for the development of better nebari. I've seen the wiring technique as well, if it's the same one, where you sort of make a wire tourniquet and it sort of "chokes" itself into forming roots. I've done this on Spruce with no luck but need to try more for sure, maybe I will try on my 'Grey Owl' juniper next year. Thanks!

[@mattbrennan647]

Great tutorial on air layering. 👍🏻

[@jeffreyhutchings561]

Awesome video! I might try this with my JBP nursery stock that I recently bought. It even sprouted pine cones already. 😎🌲

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@jeffreyhutchings561 Nice! Good luck with your layering. My JBP grew cones last year but there were no JBP nearby to pollinate, so no seeds for me. Luckily I've got my air layers.

[@cynrich1]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm somewhere in the 5-6 zone, so I'm going out to look at a couple of young pines I've got my eyes on for Yamadori, and maybe trying an air layering if it's not too late.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I'd say give it a shot, especially if it's a branch you don't need for final design. Good luck!

[@mickeymarimuthu7370]

Thank you for sharing. I learnt a lot about air layering.

[@marcin23228]

I put a few nucs on the juniper tree. when I made a small hole in the foil and pressed the package lightly with my fingers, water dripped. And here's the question: is it good or bad? You see, it's working well. Good job.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

It might not be good if it is too wet for too long. It might be good to let it dry a bit so it isn't too soggy.

[@timmywood9677]

I tried this on a ponderosa pine with no luck. But with roses and magnolia I’ve had success

[@brianvandermey4223]

How long did you wait? Did you see any callus formation?

[@tannerdane09]

Very informative. Thanks for taking the time to film and edit the video to share with others. Great job. I’ve raised many from seed but this will certainly save much time. Thanks again for your time.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I've been wanting to make this video for a while now, better late than never I guess. Yeah it's nice to get the thickness of a 3 or so year old pine right away, plus I've had bad luck growing pine from seed 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@samuelmula5570]

I cannot wait to try this! Great comprehensive tutorial.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thanks! I hope it works well for you too.

[@TeamFishweights]

Well put together video, thanks dude

[@reygonzales534]

Great video! I want to try this with my cork bark pines as a means to avoid an unsightly graft and eventual reverse taper.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Now that sounds like a great idea! At times I regret not buying a cork bark JBP initially for this air layering but I suppose it's good practice for when I finally get one. Thanks and good luck!

[@shahramrahmanpoor815]

Great,, I don't know English and I'm translating with Translit,, I want to root a Chinese juniper tree,. Can you please tell me what season is suitable to start this work? And as far as I understand, I think I have to wait four to five months for it to take root? Thanks

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Usually you would want to start this kind of work on a Chinese juniper in early Spring, right around the time the foliage tips begin to turn bright green with new growth. And yes, it very well could take four months to root, but it also might surprise you and root in two or three. Just try to make sure the soil or whatever you choose to root it in doesn't stay too wet. Good Luck air layering your juniper!

[@shahramrahmanpoor815]

@ Thank you, I didn't understand exactly what you meant. Do I need to pay attention to the soil or materials I use for rooting every month and re-moisten it if it has dried out a bit?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@shahramrahmanpoor815 You can use many different types of soil for it, most people use sphagnum moss, but coco coir will work as well. And yes, pay attention to the moisture closely, and re moisten when it becomes more dry.

[@shahramrahmanpoor815]

@ thanks

[@arcemasterbonsai]

good video and information, continue making videos

[@Kaizen--_--]

Excellent discovery. Thanks for sharing. Have tried air layering JBP’s a few times without success. Think it may have been later in the year & I did not candle cut first. Maybe that helps divert energy to push new roots. Can’t be sure but I’ll try this again next spring.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

My first attempt air layering this pine was a failure, I think it was done later in the summer that could be why. The following 3 years have worked 100% though. Yes I think cutting the candles have something to do with the success. I hope you try again and succeed next year. I also recommend plenty of sun as well. Good luck!👍

[@Kaizen--_--]

⁠@@DeciduousSnurb Thanks for your response. I will try in spring and also in early fall then as well after the intense heat has subsided a bit. Gets pretty hot in So. CA where I reside.

[@cuongnguyenviet]

Thank you so much, very detailed video.

[@Babson73]

Thanks for the inspiration, I'll definitely try it.👍

[@rolando10]

Amazing content. What was the rooting hormone? Can you please share the details? Thanks !

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@rolando10 Thank you! It is a liquid rooting hormone called "Dip n' Grow," it is very concentrated and needs to be diluted with water as per the directions. Any rooting hormone would help, but for Japanese Black pine I would aim for relatively strong kinds such as "Dip n' Grow"(liquid), "Clonex"(gel), or "Hormodin 3"(powder.)

[@pauloarakaki212]

This is very very good video. Thank you. Congrats. Regards. PJA

[@buzzsburner.8286]

19:13 they be afraid to make noises in bed but I be in my girls ear like:

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@buzzsburner.8286 😆

[@binbin9]

Nice work

[@roberttalarico4128]

Great video! Have you ever considered screwing a tile onto the bottom of the air layers once the extra trunk is cut from the bottom?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I haven't thought about it with these pines in particular, though I have done that with a couple other trees in the past. I suppose I could try the next time I repot and see how it goes. Thanks Robert!

[@robertsorrentino8293]

Great explanation. Have you tried ti do this around the time of the second flush?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thank you. The first year I tried it I was unsuccessful and I think it might be that I was a little too late. The last 3 years I've had all take root. I might do more experimenting in time.

[@robertsorrentino8293]

Great! Please keep us posted. Thanks

[@hokiedokie]

Thanks for sharing... amazing

[@chas.bonsai]

Great! Gotta check this on my sacrificial branches. Is cutting new growth that important?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I've actually never tried without cutting the candles first. I think next year I will have to test this out as I've been wondering this myself.

[@1robbies6]

Thanks for video and good explanation. I am new at bonsai thing's so everything helps me to improve. I am from Croatia and here is almost impossible to find JBP. Some people sell few JBP bonsais for very high price. Where are you from? Do you sell seeds of prebonsais you made from your JBP? CHEER'S

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Hello and thanks for the comment. I live in the U.S. in the state of Indiana. I don't currently sell seeds of JBP, especially since I only bought the one tree and all my air layered JBP are from that same tree, so they are basically clones. I did however, get several cones on the JBP mother tree a few years ago, but unfortunately there were no other genetically different Japanese Black Pines around to pollinate the tree, so the cones ended up being seedless. I hope to eventually get a "genetically unique" JBP to cross pollinate so I may get some seeds. I hope you find a way to get a JBP someday. What species do you enjoy trying as bonsai in Croatia? Are there any good native species there to use?

[@1robbies6]

@@DeciduousSnurb hey thank you for the answer. In Croatia you can find many interesting species. For example oak, walnut, ash, spruce, olive... I will try to order JBP somewhere from Europe. You cannot believe how rare it is in Europe to get JBP.

[@bonsaikastur]

Lot of work on the video. Thanks.

[@lordeverybody872]

That was very informative. I yada yada yada blah blah blah. I think i can now. If you have further info on propagation and bragging rights. I am sure we all would enjoy a new video. Instead of collecting seed and hoping for fresh cones to provide with hours of seed removal.. Thanks again

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thanks. Yes the air layering definitely saves about 3 years versus growing from seed.

[@petemalelis3037]

Great video

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Thank You!

[@brianvandermey4223]

Are the vertical cuts the only technique change that you’re doing here? It seems like a typical air layer technique otherwise, which makes me wonder why it is considered difficult.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@brianvandermey4223 The technique isn't difficult, the species itself (Pinus thunbergii) is notorious for being difficult to air layer. The vertical cuts, specific timing of the removal of candles, and for some, the use of a pot rather than wrapped with a bag would be considered the difference here. There could be additional info on George's Blog (in description) although I'm not sure if he posts anymore. Thanks for the comment!

[@C1tyground5155]

I do exactly the same,but I use see through pots and cover with tin foil so all I have to do remove the foil to see if roots have formed.minimum desturbance.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Good idea I will have to get me some of those to try. One good thing about the dark green/black pots is it absorbs a good amount of heat when in full sun and that provides extra warmth to the forming roots. Now that I think of it, my Bald Cypress air layers were in clear plastic cups and the fact they were clear was nice.

[@MehranAshkanian]

Does it work on Junipers ? What is the best season to do this ? Is it possible to air Layer the main trunk at about 2 inches of thickness ? Already appreciate your reply So grateful for you comments 🙏🙏

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@MehranAshkanian Yes, I personally haven't had the best success with Junipers, since I have only tried once so far. I hear the best time to perform a layer on Junipers is in early spring right before it starts growing. And for the thickness I'd say around 0.5 - 2cm 2 inches I'm sure is possible if the branch is vigorous enough and you are willing to wait a little longer for it to root. Thanks for the comments.

[@MehranAshkanian]

@@DeciduousSnurb Thanks for your kind and useful reply 🙏

[@mehranashkanian2747]

Would it work with Junipers and decideoue trees too ?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@mehranashkanian2747 Yes, I personally haven't had the best success with junipers yet, but with other deciduous trees I've gotten better success with rooting ever since making the vertical cuts and adding perlite to my mix.

[@brianjanku4549]

Did you dilute the dip and grow?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Yes, I diluted it to the highest recommended concentration (strongest.)

[@mosesp6200]

Does this work on other pines too?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

I'm sure you could get this to work on other pines, though I haven't tried on anything other than Japanese Black Pine. From my research, other pines that have "double flush" capability very well could be air layered, including Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora,) Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda,) and Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida.)

[@soberhippie]

What bread of cat do I need to do the airlayer?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

😆 Most should work just fine.

[@soberhippie]

I just noticed, that's not how one spells "breed"

[@jamessong1202]

good.-------!

[@DarthMasiah]

👍👍

[@DeciduousSnurb]

Hey man, big fan of your 'Koto Hime' maples 👍

[@DarthMasiah]

@@DeciduousSnurb thanks, brother

[@Seuche_3L4]

👍

[@pkf4124]

Black pines dont air layer, nobody told the Black pines that. Will be trying this with my Black pine I grew from a seedling, its 30 plus foot tall now so should be ok for a few goes.

[@DeciduousSnurb]

😆 Exactly. Wow sounds like an established tree. I would think trying on a vigorous branch with upward pointing tips is worth a shot. Good Luck!

[@ErnestoDelVecchio]

Non sapevo che si potesse fare una margotta al pino nero

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@ErnestoDelVecchio Non lo sapevo nemmeno io finché non l'ho imparato da George Muranaka. Ho sentito che dovevo condividere con gli altri così che più persone potessero provarlo di persona. Penso che debba essere nel momento esatto dell'anno.

[@mattbrennan647]

Foisting 😊

[@starbell5407]

Depending on the exact time you them airlayers of jbp can be done in 3-4 weeks!

[@mokdog666]

Wow! Do you mind explaining the parameters for success in 3-4 weeks? I’m still getting over the fact that it’s actually this easy to air layer JBP ! I’ve always had great luck growing them fast but all this is game changing!

[@mehranashkanian2747]

Would it work with Junipers and decideoue trees too ?

[@DeciduousSnurb]

@@mehranashkanian2747 Yes it works with Junipers if done in early spring. Many deciduous trees can be air layered, but some will take a very long time or may never root. For example I have a green Japanese maple that rooted successfully in 5 weeks, but some species like Oaks can take forever if ever to root.