Ml_work

I have posted already about some free trees I got, all about 1 year old. The 4 cypress were too tall for my taste, so I cut off about 8" from the top of each. Leaving a good 10" to 12" tree. (which really looks like a stick in a pot) So far all are doing really good. Small buds appear on the trunk of each and some leaves have bloomed also. The top part that I cut was tree size itself, just could not throw them away. Placed them in a plastic pan of water just to see what they may do. Forgot all about them, looked today and they have leaves and buds on the trunk, almost as much as the potted ones. I do not see any type of root hairs coming off them at the bottom. Should I leave them in the water...??...or put them in a pot with soil?
Thanks,
ML

BONSAI_OUTLAW

Don't take my word for it cause I was wrong once a long, long time ago. I may be wrong again.

Those leaves are dormant buds and have come out of dormancy due to spring like conditions. The energy was already there, stored in the tissues. You will most likely not see any roots form and eventually the leaves will wither and die.

I say this only because I have only heard of one person who has been able to document a successful airlayer with pictures and have never heard of anyone doing so with cuttings. Now like I said earlier, don't take my word for it. Keep trying and please document with pictures your successes, if there are any. I hope it works.

P.S. I grew up in a bald cypress swamp in South East Texas and have sinced moved to yankee hell. I miss seeing those trees everyday, but my lawnmower don't miss those knees.

Prowler

Thats the best one i have heard yet.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.

Paul Williams

Hi Ml_work
Yes, please keep us updated on this one! This is something I have had little success with.
I have tried to air layer them, as well as starting cuttings. I have seen articles where people saw fairly big ones off at ground level and start them in “regular” looking bonsai soil, but not me. The best that I ever achieved was last year, I had a layer going and it had developed roots, then I went on vacation. It got over watered while I was gone (the bag was full when I returned). This past Jan. I planted some cuttings, one about ½ inch and several at 1/16 or so. They broke buds, but only time will tell.
Good growing
Paul

Ml_work

Outlaw, I am new to this, I do not know what "airlayer" is. ( I will find out though) But as I understand you are telling me that is what I am doing with the cypress. I will add this, it may have been a couple of days ago that I noticed them. And since then one of them had come out of the water. I could tell the small leaves were getting dry. When I put it back it has not come back around, meaning the leave still look dry (yesterday when I looked) got my days mixed up. I don't understand that this seems rare to everyone. Is it becuase it is the cypress? My wife puts all kinds of plants in water (at times 2 to 3 months) and they get roots. I will take pictures tomorrow or next day. I had to move all new small plants in unheated storage room tonight as it is going to 34f tonight. We have been at 65 nights. This is not normal for this time of year for here.
So Outlaw, you may be able to keep your record as you could be correct on this one too.
Thanks,
ML

Ml_work

I have a couple of pictures, but not sure how to get them here. I see it ask for a http site. Is there a way to upload direct from my pc to here?
??
ML

Dav4

MI, simply put, air layering is a method of propagation where a ring of bark is removed on a trunk or branch with the hope of roots forming above the debarked region. The air layered portion is removed once enough roots have grown to sustain it. What you have are cuttings, though large ones, where a portion of the tree is removed without roots and placed in soil or water with the hope that roots will grow. Most woody plants won't develop roots when left in water, though willows apparently will, and I have heard someone say that they did have success doing this with a bald cypress. Certain trees strike easily from cuttings, though they are usually treated with a rooting hormone, placed in a fast draining soil, and kept out of the sun and misted frequently. They're also usually only 4-6" tall. Any way, I hope this helps.

Dave

Ml_work

So when should I move them from the water to a pot with soil? Of the 3, 2 are doing good. 1 came out of the water last week, it was end of day when I found it. It has not grown any more. I looked today, they do not have any type roots showing, just a thin layer of ...moss...slime...??...Pot em or Leave em?
Thanks,
ML

Prowler

Well, Ficus are the same. you get a white slime on the stalks, just leave them, well i did, this is not to say it works all the time, one thing is don't keep cleaning them , it brakes the small roots that are trying to grow.
That is up to your self. Best of luck.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.

Ml_work

I have not cleaned them, just pulled out of water for a look. Yesterday I placed a small rock on them to make sure the bottom stays in the water.
Thanks,
ML