Understanding air layering so you don’t make these common mistakes.

[@DarrellWeavercom]

Absolutely the best video I've seen so far on how to do air layering. Thanks for explaining in a simple manner the what and why of everything.

[@andrebaptiste]

Thank you

[@SkylarHayes]

I would agree this is one of my favorite air layering videos and explained in laymen terms for me. Thank you!

[@FLgardener67]

I air layered a pomegranate tree and used zip ties, instead of string because I did it alone. It worked great.

[@barryjanis]

You offered a Great tip. Use an Air Layer to prune unwanted branches . I like to tape 2 zip ties to the back of the sandwich bag, instead of string, It helps secure the A/L when you are working alone.

[@geriannroth449]

Zip ties/ cable ties are perfect

[@fishmut]

I found the biggest mistake is not being patient for the air layer to get lots of roots , cutting it free to early is a really bad idea , the roots are tender and can fall off , also plant it straight away how it is don’t mess with the roots and loosen them up etc , the roots will find there own way , just plant it carefully , it will grow. 👍

[@avssify]

I think it's probably better to first pot it in a medium where it will be able to grow more roots quickly before being planted. And definitely keep it away from sun till it grows more roots.

[@Ang.0910]

How long does it usually take? Never done it before?

[@Jesusisnumberone5740]

Just so new people know, the cambium layer is the green layer right under the bark. If you dont see green and you see that whitish brown inner bark then you are good.

[@moonlightcrusier8008]

Tree trunks have 5 separate layers to them. They are the outer bark, inner bark (phloem), the cambium cell layer, sapwood, and heartwood. Each layer has their very own purpose, but overall, the trunk’s primary job is to protect and support the tree. Look below to review each layer and what they do. ❶ Outer Bark Like a shield, a trunk’s outer bark is there to protect the tree from its outside surroundings, including inclement weather, wildlife, pests, and more. It also controls moisture, by both preventing excess moisture in the rain and snow, and retaining sufficient moisture levels during dry seasons. It also provides insulation in cold weather and protects against sunburn in the summer. ❷ Phloem (Inner Bark) Pronounced Flow'em The phloem, or inner layer of bark, is where food and nutrients are passed DOWN through the tree to nourish the root system. This layer has a very important job, but a very short lifespan. It eventually dies, turns to cork, and becomes part of the outer layer of bark! ❸ Cambium Cell Layer The cambium cell layer is interesting because it is the part of the trunk that grows. Each year, this layer produces more bark and wood as a reaction to the hormones being passed DOWN from the leaves along the food pipeline. These hormones are called auxins, and they are very important because they stimulate new cell growth! ❹ Sapwood Sapwood is new wood, and serves an important role as the tree’s water pipeline, delivering water UP to the entire tree. And as new sapwood is created, the inner cells lose their vigor and turn to heartwood. ❺ Heartwood Heartwood is the most inner part of the trunk. It plays an important role in balance, stability, and security for a tree. Technically, heartwood is dead, but it does not atrophy or decay (unless the outer layers are jeopardized). It is made up of a hollow, needle-like cellulose fibers that are joined together by a glue-like chemical called lignin.

[@onlythetruth883]

​@@moonlightcrusier8008 Thank you. Didn't know all that.

[@djorfuusk]

Solid vid, dude... Thank you so much for no flim flam, no 19 minute backstory on why you love mangos, no buzzword crap, etc... just knowledge bombs and “I’m out” 🙏❤️ Keep it up 🤙🤙🤙 Btw, just knew you were gonna spit a blue flame trying to tie that off one-handed lololol...

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks.

[@KennygreenCAD]

Great tips my friend!!! You've added to my knowledge base. 🙏

[@MapleNutz]

The other mistake you are doing is. You are applying the root hormone on the incision of the air layer. The root hormone goes on top of the top part of the incision, about one inch above that. It is very important that the cut of the top part of the air layer is right below a node because the roots will come from right there and right there is the part where the root hormone goes.

[@Saintcloud-vd9ze]

I'm wanting to air layer a 3" vertical trunk. This video is promising. I'm going to top the tree anyway so no worries if it doesn't. Any more advice would be welcomed.

[@zoeyshoots]

@@Saintcloud-vd9ze patience…..

[@CrossroadToCountry]

@@Saintcloud-vd9ze If you didn't do it yet, do it! There's a Japanese guy that does HUGE air layers for bonsai. But Saintcloud-vd9ze is correct, patients. Also, don't let it dry out.

[@sparkyheberling6115]

5:17 It's safer to pour some of the rooting hormone into a clean, recyclable container (such as a jar lid) and use that portion. That way you won't accidentally contaminate the rest of the hormone.

[@BethelHealthBuilders]

Hello Andre, I loved your saran wrap solution. I do lots of air-layers near Durban, South Africa. One trick I use for single handed work it to take my wrapping twine which I cut to about 7 feet long, and tie a loop right in the center. I then place one end around the stem which I am cutting and through the loop so its ready to go when I get the bag into position. Then I am holding the bag tight with one hand, take my other hand and position twine over bag and just pull the end which I already passed through the loop really hard, until some fluid runs from the bag. Then I just keep wrapping both ends and tie off. Regarding ants, I see them a a sign of success. I do the foil wrap and when I open and see ants I expect nice roots 90 percent or better. My guess is that the conditions are good for both roots and ants at the right moisture level. Our climate has a dry winter and wet summer, not exactly like Florida but our summers are similar to yours. Wishing you well and thanks for this excellent video. Blessings, Rick

[@andrebaptiste]

Thank you

[@112jungle]

Small fire ants here in Florida can make a huge nest in days which will dry peat moss out and prevent rooting

[@susanb4816]

If you use sphagnum instead of peat you can mold it around then apply plastic/moisture barrier

[@MLJohnsonian]

Best explanation I've seen, and I've looked at plenty. Thanks for taking the trouble.

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks for watching!

[@Buick59]

Im going to try your method. The plastic clamshell's I used had zero success on all eight applications. Thanks for showing your skills.

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

I use clone-X Rooting hormone gel .

[@christophertaylor2464]

Thank you for the info I liked and subscribed to your channel I have been wanting to clone some pear trees that are on my Mom and Dad's place. I have wanted to make some clones for the last 40 years the pear trees are around 80 to 90 years old. There was 10 trees to start on this farm.when they made a subdivision out of the farm they bulldozed 3 of the pear trees out they left one by an old shed and the other 6 are on a 2 acer lot that my mom and dad bought. I have been taking care of the pear trees for the last 40 years and we only have 5 trees now and we have Lost two Big branches one on two different trees this year. I have watched some other peoples videos on Air layering and I think that your video is going to help me more. I saw why you wanted to take that branch off you had a bad spot on the tree.

[@TheWinterscoming]

Awesome video. I tried air layering this year and none seemed to root. Hopefully next year I'll be able to get some to take. I didn't use rooting hormone and didn't cut deep enough on the bark.

[@anewcreation6272]

Thanks for the helpful information that I've seen nowhere else!

[@DougBillian]

Zip ties are your friend! Great content and tips. 👍

[@dewanehill1435]

great video. it would be great if you included the rest of the procedure. After three months, I assume you check it to make sure roots have grown, then you cut it and put it in the ground or a container.

[@andrebaptiste]

I have posted those videos as well

[@dewanehill1435]

@@andrebaptiste, respectfully, it would be good to have all the information on air layering in one air layering video. I'll say this as well. The location for your two cuts is important. It is best to place the top cut just below a node. Maybe 1/4 or 1/2 an inch. The lower cut should be at least equal to the diameter of the branch. Maybe a little wider. So if the diameter of the branch is 2 inches, the width of the bark and vascular tissue removed should be at least 2 inches. I would love to see what the roots look like and the process for potting or planting. I'm a little sensitive to time, so I wouldn't watch two or three videos if all the information could easily be included in one.

[@ckennedy309]

@@dewanehill1435 Well then you better get busy Dewane. And while your at it if you'll create one singular video for this 3 month process that shows the anatomy of a tree and how you managed to master the art of the cut yet never seen a sack of roots, or even know what to do with it, I for one would watch it.

[@dewanehill1435]

@@ckennedy309, I'm thinking about a gardening channel. maybe I will. I've done it successfully many times.

[@racebiketuner]

Great explanation!

[@andrebaptiste]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Judah-Mills]

Some things I noticed that might help. After you've finished the plastic wrap put some aluminum foil over it, It keeps it dark in there and helps the tree realize that it's dirt and it needs new roots. Second your braches might just be to large. The larger it is the more energy it needs, and since it's been cut it doesn't have quite the supply it use too. Those three branches just above on that same branch would be adequate size. If you start to see the leaves dying it could be because the branch is just to big and not getting the moisture it needs. Try removing some of the leaves, cause they take a lot of energy. But if this is working still than have at it! I'm new to this too, but just some things I've noticed. Great job and good luck!

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks

[@sparkyheberling6115]

I use foil, too, to keep the area from overheating.

[@brainplanet6308]

@@sparkyheberling6115 I also read that the foil helps to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in the soil

[@LovemoreRambanapasi]

It's so informative, what about if you don't have root hormone can someone still do and pass or is there any other free and simple things that can be easily found to use outside of root hormone , your answer is highly appreciated guys

[@andrebaptiste]

Fresh cinnamon, honey or aloe can work as well. It can even work without any rooting agent

[@ckennedy309]

I like the idea of using the ziplock bag rather than "creating a funnel" . The only thing I thought of that may make the one man show easier is to use solid wire instead of string. When I do this( or try to) it's for bonsai, so I always have aluminum wire laying around which is soft and easy to bend. But ,now I'm thinking, if you had a good thick freezer bag you could also use a coat hanger etc. and not split your bag open wrapping. Appreciate all the helpful hints you shared.

[@tamaratamblyn4146]

You are so smart and a great instructor! Thank you for this video! I have a rare tree I'd like to air layer. I also wonder will this work on a desert rose?

[@andrebaptiste]

It should work. As long as it’s a woody plant

[@emdeejay7432]

Very helpful, good video.

[@joyfulparadise]

Thank u for the clear explanation. Is there a follow up video to your mango tree? Did it root? How is doing now?

[@andrebaptiste]

I have done dozens so hard to remember which tree that now is. But there are lots of reveal or after videos on my channel as well

[@The_Hairy_Farmer]

If you wrap 'batting fabric' below the airlayer - about 6 inches long; put an elastic band around the middle and fold it over, you'll find it very effective against ants. If you can keep ants out your trees, you keep out most of the problems...

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks

[@brisay1844]

this is the best explanation I have encountered. Thank you so much for this information 🙏 ☺️

[@johnmlatzo4068]

Very informative

[@dwint685]

Nice if you can show us the results and how it worked out!

[@andrebaptiste]

I have several after videos.

[@crtreasures1136]

Good video with great tips. I’m wanting to air layer an old pear tree. The branches I selected are larger about 2 1/2 to 3” diameter then prune the top branches after the cut and replanting. Planning on using more peat also. My idea is that this larger branch will begin to produce faster than a smaller air layered branch. Any opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m in south central Louisiana.

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes larger branches will fruit faster. But are more difficult to airlayer successfully

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Is there a follow-up part 2 video to this video?

[@andrebaptiste]

Many after videos on my channel

[@lucasbarahona9384]

Pretty good job. I'll try for sure

[@klecoxs2]

Hey Andre awesome really great Video Thanks for posting 🙏🕊

[@rcbelmeezy]

Yay I’m here from tik tok!!! Ready for some katuk seeds!!

[@Manofmany_mango]

ME TOO

[@Deltonagardens]

I wonder if there might be an issue with growing roots in a clear bag where the sunlight can impact the growing roots. But IDK, just factoring roots dont like sunlight.

[@andrebaptiste]

I agree

[@peteryoung9164]

thanks for your video. what is the best time to air layer? does it depend on the species, age of tree or climate zone? please advise. thanks

[@andrebaptiste]

I’d say anytime the tree is not dormant

[@lostoffgrid8927]

Great video. I like that you picked a large branch. I am in California and have a Meyer lemon tree. I am wondering if having fruit already growing on the branches is a problem or concern? Should I select only branches without fruit or cut off the growing fruit? Thanks so much.

[@andrebaptiste]

You can do branches with fruit. I just wait till after harvest to remove them.

[@denisoconnor6343]

Well explained my good man 👍

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks

[@dandevins1677]

I would love to see the next step.

[@andrebaptiste]

I have lots of videos showing that

[@johnterrance3075]

I'm surprised that you didn't discuss the pre-fabricated air layering pods. They're awesome in the sense that they're black, so no light will pass through. They're reusable & easy to secure with only one set of hands.

[@andrebaptiste]

Yep I use them most of the time. Especially in new videos

[@roopmatieramkissoon1076]

Does the trees have to be bearing or flowering or it doesn't matter?

[@andrebaptiste]

Doesn’t matter

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

Thank you, very informative

[@orlandogardener]

Can we revisit this tree

[@andrebaptiste]

Probably did. I’d have to look at the video again to see which one it was. But I have a lot of videos of opening airlayers on here, TikTok and IG.

[@FC2ESWS]

How do you know where to cut? I thought you had to do it at a leaf node? Also, can you do it on a green branch or does it have to be woody?

[@andrebaptiste]

You can cut anywhere. I prefer woody. But it can work with green. Just more chance of failure

[@cartycartyamplifiersalesrepair]

Great video sir well explained thank you very much 👍 👍 🙏

[@enelesichipandwe3897]

What other planting medium can be used in place of pit morse?

[@andrebaptiste]

Soil.

[@LucretiusDraco]

It might make it easier getting the string on to use a really long piece and wrap it around a couple times so it stays still while u tie it. That’s easier to me maybe it will be to u as well. Maybe not but I think it works well.

[@francisdes1210]

Will the moisture stay within the Ziploc bag for the entire three months?

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes

[@Globally1201]

NICELY DONE 👍🏾✅...I DID BASICALLY THE SAME THING TO MY FRUIT TREE 🌳 THANKS FOR SHARING!!!🤓👍🏾🙋🏽‍♀️🔥🙏🏾👑✝️📖🔥

[@ramentaco9179]

the video i’ve been needing!

[@timframe6074]

Can you show us some trees that have been air layered that are 5-10 years old. I can’t find any old growth apple orchards that have been air layered.

[@andrebaptiste]

I’ve only been gardening for about 7 years. So I don’t have airlayers that old. But orchards would start with grafted trees

[@SK-ug9fg]

Nice

[@SkylarHayes]

Great video Andre. Question for you: Is there a Size Limit on an Air Layer? i.e. what is the maximum branch i can air layer and transplant safely? 3 feet? 4 feet? Any rule of thumb? Why do i ask? I have a large main branch on a loquat tree that is too tall for me to pick the fruit. The branch is about 6 feet taller than i can reach so i want to air layer that piece instead of just trimming it off. I'm worried it may be too big but wanted to get your opinion first.

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes. It get more difficult eith bigger branches. Thickness of my wrist is the biggest I’ve ever done. It becomes hard to stabilize in a pot when they are heavy.

[@SkylarHayes]

@@andrebaptiste What about height? What is the tallest you would do? 4 feet?

[@Maugwa]

Forget the string dude........use the plastic wrap to tie your soil bag to the tree then wrap it air tight.

[@andrebaptiste]

Many ways to do it. I have several techniques.

[@cat19649]

Which type of rooting powder do you use? That looks like Hormex, but I found they have different versions.

[@andrebaptiste]

I am not picky. Any on Amazon. Sometimes cinnamon powder or aloe instead

[@hotglasschick]

Electrical tape instead of string makes it easier to do with one hand.

[@SkylarHayes]

Hey do you do a 75% peat moss to 25% potting soil mix for your air layering?

[@andrebaptiste]

Pretty much all peat moss. Occasionally I add soil when I’m short

[@Melody-en6xn]

Does the season matter much when we air layer?

[@andrebaptiste]

Not really unless you are in a cold climate. Then wait until trees break dormancy

[@Melody-en6xn]

@@andrebaptiste Thank you fo your insight😊👍

[@Melody-en6xn]

@@andrebaptiste Oh now i have another question probaby obvious to most, but how can I identify when it's dormant vs not dormant? I think one clue is it's winter then it means dormancy right?

[@anthonyruth5606]

Spray bifen around your tree at least two feet from the truck it kills ants if you dont like pestides you could puy vasaline around the base of the truck

[@ZonaFigs]

Are you doing that in between nodes or with the node in the middle

[@andrebaptiste]

Doesn’t make a difference

[@ZonaFigs]

@@andrebaptiste ok awesome thanks

[@BabyBoomerDad64]

Use tiebacks Buddy. Work great with 2 hands.😊

[@wakeeleffendi]

Can we use aloe Vera Gel or honey instead of rooting powder??

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes you can

[@raheemsmart4600]

How long does it take to root

[@andrebaptiste]

2-3 mos

[@dand7056]

Did this air layer take. That was a thick branch. Also is a air layer mango tree as hardy as a grafted tree?

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes. And probably not. Since they don’t have a known hardy root stock.

[@CutAboveMobileJCNME7]

How can I get some of your Katuk seeds?

[@andrebaptiste]

Subscribe and send 1$ on cash app to $andrethefarmer

[@MarioHernandez-bn6pm]

Does it have to be getting watered ? The ball of soil.

[@andrebaptiste]

No. Seal the water in

[@MarioHernandez-bn6pm]

@@andrebaptiste ok thank you.

[@carlyleporter5388]

Thanks Andre. I'm reckoning your technique applies to pecans too, huh?

[@andrebaptiste]

You bet!

[@donnawilliamson3727]

It was good to see some one address mistakes of air layering. Best time of the year is?

[@andrebaptiste]

Any time in a warm climate.

[@incifisenk9945]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💚🙋🏻‍♀️

[@BondWarrior]

Thanks, nice vid

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks

[@annettehhhomestead]

You could use zip ties to help make it easier as a one person venture.

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes. I’ve done that before

[@deaconseptember2002]

I've read that the stem cutting should only be pencil thin.

[@andrebaptiste]

No you can do any size branch. Minimum of a pencil thin maybe

[@calikurt9466]

Some of my airlayers haven’t produced roots, only a bulbous growth where the roots should be growing, any idea what I’m doing wrong? Thanks!

[@andrebaptiste]

Perhaps some cambium is left intact ?

[@Ob1311-x8b]

Thankyou!!

[@maozedung7270]

At what temperature you are working?

[@andrebaptiste]

Im in florida. Zone 9b

[@krissylee7548]

Did it root?

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes

[@krissylee7548]

@@andrebaptiste how long did it take?

[@krissylee7548]

@@andrebaptiste all you used was peatmoss? No other soil? What about branch wise? I heard to not do it on old branches and not do it on younger branches, so how do I know which one to pick?

[@MKT-s8z]

What is the result You didn’t show

[@andrebaptiste]

See my many after videos

[@jimrobert1465]

Great job but we need to see how much roots that create, most people show the entire process.

[@andrebaptiste]

Thanks. I have lots of videos with results.

[@ValentineBernier-Wallace]

Was this successful? I'd love to see a before and after. It's kind of like watching a movie for an hour and then stopping before it's over.

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes. I have many after videos

[@ValentineBernier-Wallace]

@ AND? The after video for this. ?

[@LucretiusDraco]

Good video tho thanks

[@dmbrookfield]

Out of interest why did you start higher up on the branch and not lower down? I'm wondering if there is a reason. That's all. Thanks very much :)

[@andrebaptiste]

I just start where I want to tree trunk to start. And I like to have a bit under the root so when I plant it it will be more stable

[@dmbrookfield]

@@andrebaptiste Thanks Andre I have 2 young (ish) shoots from a Cherry tree and was wondering, I'm happy with staking it, i'd rather have a longer trunk. much appreciated.

[@oztrich24]

Did it work?

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes

[@oztrich24]

@@andrebaptiste Pictures or follow up video?

[@DavidTaufa-n6b]

Some people use Aloe Vera. What do you say?

[@andrebaptiste]

You can. It’s a rooting agent

[@francus7227]

No additions or corrections. I'm just feeding the algorithm monster before I tap the thumbs 👍 button.

[@andrebaptiste]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@stevechen7722]

You should not use finger directly touch root tone which is harmful chemical, and should pour out the powder for only applying amount, otherwise, the root tone would be spoiled by repeated touching.

[@1cleandude]

And follow up?🙏

[@andrebaptiste]

Many after videos posted on here and TikTok and instagram

[@joedafrog]

That yellow tag wrapped around that poor branch is driving me crazy all video

[@justinkramer8025]

Is there a reveal video?

[@andrebaptiste]

Yes. Check out my shorts

[@Omwami346]

The ants were not your friends 😂😂, they make holes in the air layer, which in turn leads to loss of moisture. Therefore the probability of your air layer becoming successful reduces drastically

[@geogeduggan6579]

Good explanation , maybe that's why my air layers have failed. Thanks.

[@anthonyruth5606]

Use zip ties it helps alot

[@ov7960]

👍

[@gowthamshetty5674]

Bro use lakshman rekha ants wont come and no nest problem😊

[@ChickenChannelBawkPog]

Hi

[@andrebaptiste]

Hi

[@hazelealdama2851]

You air layer big trunk and success is very slim .

[@TahirMehmood-z7c]

Uncomplet Vedio Wher is Remaining

[@susanb4816]

Please use gloves when handling the hormone:)

[@andrebaptiste]

It’s harmless

[@loripietschgonzalez8623]

🇬🇩

[@thegreenmanalishiyamadori371]

Dont get your finger in the hormons,Bro, cause it can cause warts on your hands, no kidding😢

[@andrebaptiste]

Have been doing it for years. Never had a wart

[@thegreenmanalishiyamadori371]

@@andrebaptiste ok,be careful... Maybe your Hormon isnt that strong? In Germany it is forbidden to sale🤷‍♂️