[dansai] Syzygium smithii cv. 3

[dansai]

Species: Syzygium smithii (small leaved hedging form)
Height: 1200mm
Origin: Burbank Nursery
Cost: $40

Syzygium cv. 3.1.jpg

Syzygium cv. 3.2.jpg

This is the same tree as per the entry [dansai] Syzygium smithii cv. 2 (viewtopic.php?f=148&t=14848&p=152905#p152905 ). This tree was original grown for hedging plants from the nursery I purchased it from. I set layers on it about 6 months ago and have good callusing but as yet no roots. I will reset the layers with some rooting hormone and hopefully i will get some roots soon so I can remove the layers and start work before winter.

This entry will be created from the lowest layer as shown in the second picture.

[Neli]

Are you submitting all 4?

[dansai]

Had thought about it.

Just the base and the lowest layer. The others I'll trim up then let them have there head.

[Neli]

That is a fantastic idea...good luck...but dont make it too nice....I want to win!

[kcpoole]

Dunno how you will go with them not being rooted already, but good luck as you have nothing to lose

Ken

[Neli]

You can start on the bottom part...It is good material...so I am just making sure, You dont do anything too nice.... ...I am a total newbie, but plan to have lots of fun.
Try to cut/roughen the edges of the graft where it meets the cambium...it might act as stimulus. Just a little bit not to destroy the points where the roots are supposed to emerge.
Maybe do it on just one...to see the difference. There are too many grafts so it is slowing it a bit. Plus winter coming is not helping...
But up to 10C the roots are still active, and continue to grow long after the foliage stops.

[dansai]

Well I reset all the layers on both trees. Here is what one looked like when unwrapped.

Lilly Pilly Callus.jpg

I removed the lower part of the callus to try and promote roots at the top. I also painted in hormone gel.

Lilly Pilly Hormone.jpg

I reset the layers and gave this one a trim. it will be ready to remove soon.

1 April 2013 Trim + Re layer.jpg

[dansai]

Quick update

Sorry for the photo quality. Just had a new baby and in the process of moving my nursery.

Nothing much to report other than some growth. Looking forward to the warmer weather.

June 27 2013.jpg

[dansai]

Withdrawn. No roots on the layer so i can't develop it as quickly as I'ld like. Will still update.

[Neli]

Sorry to hear that. Check the post on my blog about sizigium airlayer, I did it after yours, did not use rooting powder, but planted it in a pot with sieved river sand. I dont have sphagnum moss here, so I have used river sand for over 25 years. Had good results so far. I separated it just before I went to Japan, and is doing very fine.

[dansai]

Thanks Neli for your interest.

I had considered using split pots and will if I don't get roots this time. I decided to redo with sphagnum because it was already there and I had a small window of time. I did however, soak in season as suggested by someone (I think Ray M) on this site. One thing that has come of this thought is some awesome flare at the base of each layer due to the callusing. So

[Neli]

Make sure you injure it again at the top lip of the cut. Just little bit all around.

[dansai]

I did do that. Like I did last time I reset the layers. There are lots of nodes in the calluses that may become roots. I have my

[Neli]

Good luck!

[dansai]

Well this one is still alive. After 3 attempts at the Air Layer and still having no roots but plenty of callus I removed them all, whacked them in potting mix and to see what would happen. 2 of the layers survived, including this one, and 1 died sometime after when it dried out.

This one nearly carked it over summer from drying out, but has come back well.

LP Refine Shohin Comp 16-17 - 1.jpg

LP Refine Shohin Comp 16-17 - 2.jpg

Currently just under 300 mm

LP Refine Shohin Comp 16-17 - 3.jpg