Air Layer

Bonsai Iterate

I found a big Chinese Holly growing wild by the reservoir near my home. It’s surrounded by brambles on a steep hill — not in an easy-to-reach spot.

I had removed some branches before taking the photo above, but even before it had that long extension through the middle. I decided to air layer the top this year with plans to dig the rest next spring.

Despite success in the past with air layers started in May, members of my bonsai club assure me you can start air layers as early as February, so I gathered my tools to get started.

In addition to a sharp knife (not shown), I brought pre-soak sphagnum moss, a couple of pruning tools to remove any branches in the way, a newspaper bag, wire and cutters to hold the bag in place, rooting hormone, a soft brush, 1/3 of a roll of cling wrap…

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