Author Topic: air layer fertilizer  (Read 1929 times)

achetadomestica

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air layer fertilizer
« on: August 14, 2018, 09:31:01 PM »
I have been trying to air layer a couple trees this summer. Today I checked
my two longan air layers and one of them had a nice root ball going. I cut it and
put it in a pot. I was wondering if I should fertilize it to help the roots fill out?
It's sitting in a shady area and I really want it to take. I found this tree in an
abandoned yard and it took me a month to figure out who owned it and get permission
to airlayer it. The guy who owns the property doesn't know what type it is, he
actually told me it was a lychee. He never waters or fertlizes it and it had the
biggest sweetest longans I have ever seen. He said it fruits every year.



bsbullie

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2018, 09:43:51 PM »
Do you have pictures of the leaves?
- Rob

Coach62

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2018, 11:28:31 PM »
I would defer to Rob, but general rule of thumb is not to fertilize until you see some new growth.  However, I would likely give it a LIGHT dose of liquid fertilizer that stimulates root growth.  These have a higher P number usually (of the NPK percentage).  I've had good luck with these fertilizers.  They are often labeled as bloom boosters also. 
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achetadomestica

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2018, 08:46:00 PM »
Do you have pictures of the leaves?






Here is a picture of the airlayer I did. I cut allot of leaves off but probably should keep cutting?

I was hoping someone on here who has done airlayers would speak up about fertilizing a new airlayer?
It looked a little droopy today and I watered heavy.
« Last Edit: August 16, 2018, 08:50:37 PM by achetadomestica »

Seanny

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2018, 12:07:17 AM »
I air-layered trees with potting soil, the one with fertilizer.
Bag claimed there is enough fertilizer to feed 6 months.

I pot newly cut ones in the same potting soil.

You pot your tree in dirt?


achetadomestica

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2018, 07:48:10 AM »
I air-layered trees with potting soil, the one with fertilizer.
Bag claimed there is enough fertilizer to feed 6 months.

I pot newly cut ones in the same potting soil.

You pot your tree in dirt?

I planted the longan airlayer in a 7 gallon pot with a soil mix I made
that consists of potting mix with peat, vermiculite and perlite. I then added
rabbit manure, coffee grounds, and some ashes. Did your potting soil have
high nitrogen?

Seanny

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2018, 01:04:02 AM »
Low and slow release.
Since you added rabbit manure that would be enough.




bsbullie

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2018, 01:25:07 AM »
It is not recommended to use potting mix with fertilizer incorporated into the next. I know people use it but again not recommended. Use a well draining commercial potting mix (Fafard 52 ot ProMix) for the air layer and best to start in a smaller pot, a 2 or 3 gal, till rooted out.  You can apply a light drench of 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer.  Once rooted out, you can up-pot to a 7gal till rooted and then plant out.
- Rob

Seanny

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2018, 12:12:07 AM »
I agree. Lately I've been using potting soil since that is what I have.






I used potting soil on guava 3 weeks ago. Seems fine.




I put new potting soil in pot, trying to alleviate leaves drooping and dropping after cutting branch off tree.

sapote

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2018, 07:25:31 PM »
"It looked a little droopy today and I watered heavy."

Might need to remove more leaves, place it in shade and cover with clear plastic bag to hold high humidity.

bsbullie

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Re: air layer fertilizer
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2018, 07:57:17 PM »
Why on earth would you remove leaves on and bag an air layer?  To answer that question, you dont. 

Do not change the soil.  You dont want to disturb the new root growth at the risk of damaging them (which could cause delay in growth or even failure).

Just keep in partial shade/filtered sun and keep watered and hydrated/misted (spray down foliage).
- Rob