Air Layering Aroids
Air layering is a low risk way to multiply your plants quickly. Let’s start with what you’ll need to properly stake and air layer your plant. We’re going to use a Philodendron Burle Marx Fantasy for this demonstration.
We’ll begin with the supplies: we use our aroid mix, a clear growers pot that is two inches larger than the pot it’s currently in, a plant stake or piece of wood, and sphagnum moss. You’ll also want some ties (we use green Velcro, floral tape, or cut rubber bands) and a potting mat or spare box to keep your mess contained.
To start off, take the plant out of the pot and gently remove some of the potting mix. If your plant is very rootbound we suggest loosening the root ball as much as you can without breaking any roots. Next, place the plant in the new pot, being careful to keep the crown of the plant level to where the top of the soil will be. Take care not to tamp the soil down too harshly while filling the pot with the aroid mix, as it will impede the flow of air through the soil. Gently insert the stake into the potting media along the inside wall of the pot, placing it so that the aerial nodes of your plant will contact it. Be careful to not force the stake into the pot. We don’t want to break any roots.
Now we want to add sphagnum moss to the stake and plant. Focus on the areas around the nodes, placing a small bundle of moistened sphagnum moss around the node and fasten it securely with your ties to the stake. Work your way from the bottom up.
If your stake is wobbling in the pot, you can secure it further by placing an inch of LECA on top of the soil. Make sure to thoroughly water your plant, wetting the moss on the stake and all of the soil in the pot. You will want to take care to check often, as the moss will dry quickly in dry climates and indoors. The goal is to keep the moss moist consistently to encourage quick root growth at the nodes.
Place your plant in strong but indirect light in a room that is consistently warm. Within a month you should start to see roots poking out of the sphagnum moss! When your plant has roots about two inches long it can be cut just below the node, where the roots emerge from the stem and potted up in a new container.
Peace out!
Related post
30
Sep
30
Sep
30
Sep
30
Sep
30
Sep
