Who doesn’t enjoy getting free plants? Here is a guide to air layering plants you grow in the garden. It is possible to propagate plants through air layering without a horticultural degree, expensive rooting hormones, or specialized equipment. Even a beginner gardener can learn a few helpful tricks and achieve success.

Numerous methods can be used to propagate plants. The simplest technique is to use seeds, although maturation might take months or even years.

One of the most common types of layering is air layering, which creates genetically identical young plants that inherit all the traits of the parent. Continue reading for additional details and a list of simple plants to try the method on.

What are Air Layering Plants?

It is very simple to perform and uses a minimal amount of resources to propagate plants using the air layering technique. By inducing a branch of the mother plant to develop its roots, air layering develops a new plant that may be split off from the mother plant and cultivated independently.

I mean by “extremely easy” that you won’t need a horticultural degree. But to protect the plant and grow as many strong young plants as possible, it’s crucial to do it correctly. It also needs some materials, which you’ll probably have to buy.

This manual attempts to arm you with all the information required to utilize air layering plants in your residence without the help of a professional.

Steps to do Air Layering

Air layering is rather easy to do. Sphagnum moss that has just been wet is necessary to wrap around a damaged stem portion. Peel the center of a branch in half, cover the wound with moss, and secure it with floral ties or plant twine. Put plastic wrap over everything to keep the moisture inside.

However, we have listed down the steps in detail to make it more comprehensive for you. Keep reading!

Step 1: Choosing a branch

Picking a robust branch from which to grow your new plant is crucial. As a result, the branch must have left and be free from diseases, pests, and other flaws. It must have its branches, each of which must have healthy leaves. It must be capable of cultivating its blossoms and fruits (if your plant bears fruit, that is).

Step 2: Cutting

Sterilize your cutting equipment first. By exposing it directly to a little flame, such as with a lighter, you can do this task fast and easily.

Cut the branch now, being careful to place the cut at least 30 centimeters from the branch’s base. Make sure there is a good distance between the region you cut and the base of the branch if you’re doing a small air layering plant.

Step 3: Making Use of The Rooting Agent

Incorporate the rooting agent. These typically come in the shape of a gel that is simple to apply to the branch’s cut place.

Use of a brush is advised for this, but be sure to thoroughly clean the brush first. Additionally, you might want to sanitize it with alcohol. Apply the rooting agent after thoroughly drying it off the following cleaning.

Step 4: Putting The Moss On

You should soak the sphagnum moss in water for a short while before using it. Take a handful of it, submerge it for about three to five minutes, then remove the excess water.

Step 5: Keeping the Area Safe

Tie the ends of the plastic with bits of string before wrapping it around the moss-covered area. The goal of the air layering plant is to keep the area safe and stop it from drying out.

To easily open it and sprinkle some water from time to time, make sure one of the ends is tied a little looser than the other. To prevent the moss from drying out, you should generally give it a small mist of water once or twice daily (depending on your climate).

Step 6: Rooting

The hardest thing about it is waiting right now. Depending on your plant and the conditions, it should take between 70 and 100 days for the roots to fully develop. 

To avoid the moss from drying out during this period, it’s critical to continue checking the wrapped portion and misting it with water.

Naturally, the weather has an impact on this. If it’s dry, you might need to spritz it with water many times every day; if it’s humid, you might not need to at all.

Step 7: Getting the New Plant Cut and Transplanted

Simply saw off the young plant from the mother plant once the roots have fully developed, then put it in a vase that has a suitable substrate for your plant.

As the new plant’s roots still need some time to develop, it is usually preferable to place it in a vase with substrate rather than just planting it in the ground.