help - swamp cypress airlayer

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Hi all

I airlayered my swamp cypress a good number of months ago (can't actually remember when..... I should keep better records!! ) with spagnum moss inside a cut down pot and i took a peek by cutting the tape holding the plastic pot together and there is a mass of roots everywhere. the air layer has done it's job well!

I am a little concerned as above the layer the leaves are turning quite red but not seeming to be dying, but under the layer the few branches are still very green.

I have the following questions....

1. Should I cut off the layer now? It looks like its ready to me with all the white roots enmasse through the moss.

2. If so, how much should i tease out the roots, knowing we are just at the beginning of winter or should i just slip pot it into a good mix?

3. How much should i trim the branches of the tree above the layer if i do repot?

Considered advice would be very much appreciated!

I'll try to get some photos later in the evening.

stew

[Bougy Fan]

It just sounds like it is starting to go deciduous - up in Toowoomba it would be cold enough. Down here in Brisbane they are virtually evergreen.I would leave it until Spring now if it was me. Don't try and tease out the moss - you will damage the roots. I usually pot air layers up in a free draining mix with at least 50% diatomite. Then next repot start to comb out the spag moss.

[bodhidharma]

They are colour changers and this is probably what is happening. Mine are copper here now. I would let it ride as Bougy suggested.

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

hi guys

Sorry to take so long in replying.

I spoke to a long standing and talented member of our local club and he suggested to go ahead and take the top off. The change in colour he felt was due to the low temps here on top of the range as well as being in a medium of 100% spagnum moss pushing it into dormancy, while the lower end still had nutrients from the original roots.

I've taken photos of the whole process and will post when i have reduced them in size in a day or two.

I was REALLY pleased to see how my first layer went. There were heaps roots coming from about three or four places but not all around the waist. who needs seedlings when you can get an awesome trunk in a few months....

I've tied it into a plastic pot with new free draining mix with a plate underneath to spread the roots a little.

All in all a very rewarding process and i now have two great stock trees... as long as they both live!!

Cheers to bodhi and bougy for your thoughts.

Stew