KiwiFliHi

Yeah I tried it on one of my Durban ladies a while back after readng about it in a thread by CC I think it was. I used spaghum and then thread tape (like grafting tape) The two I did both rooted in three weeks, the pain is it is tricky to check on root development by unwinding the wrap everytime. Maybe if you just left them they would root faster but I'm always keen to see how close we are to transplant time Courses for horses, personally a small two by two clone box and the normal method is my preference.

BluntBud

I've used this technique before, but (as with others here) never with the sweet leaf. But maybe I can offer a few hints...

The way we did it (with some house plant we were cloning for bonsai), we started by finding the node we want to use... Then, just below the node, using (i think just regular old) scotch tape, we adhered some kind of plastic (not saran wrap but something a little tougher) around the stem, this makes a kind of basket which can *easily* be filled with medium (we used regular potting soil, premoistened of course), then, made a little incision in the stem above the 'basket' we made, applied rooting hormone to the incision, grabbed a handfull of dirt drop it into the 'basket' (which at this point is kindov rolled down to leave room) roll up the basket to cover the 'cut point' and then taped the plastic again above the cut spot.

Now, once this is all taped up, you want to kindov have like a 'candy wrapper' shape centered on the point of incision... The reason we used plastic, was so that we could *see* how fast (or slow) the roots were developing.... although of course the plastic was covered by something opaque to prevent light from hitting the new roots (light = bad for roots), but we could still check.

We also used an alternative technique to this as well: If you grab a lower branch, curve it down toward the soil (which you have prepared in a new pot), but leaving it attached to the main plant... you make an incision (the way we always did it... maybe another technique would work better), apply rooting hormone, dig a little hole in the soil so the branch goes in there, cover it with soil and then put a little rock on top to hold the branch there.... This would also be considered another variation on air layering, which could be a little easier than messing with 'candy wrappers' and I would imagine might be even easier for plants that are already nicely trained.. As in the branches wouldn't have to be bent very far. This technique also maximizes the benefits that the new clone is not entirely self-reliant, as it can still get water/nutes, etc from the existing root system on the mother, while being forced to develop its own roots... I wonder if it might be effective to keep the 'mother' a little thirsty so as to naturally prompt the plant to develop more bigger roots...

Just my 2 cents.. Hope I said at least something that hasnt already been said.... Here's a little diag. since im feeling apt with paint today...

Attached Thumbnails

 

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n_d_shadows

hey kiwi, bluntbud- thank you both for your input here. Im still partial to the standard way of cloning. Im getting roots in 7-8 days almost like clock work. Speed isnt the issue though, its space. Right now I have 8-9 different strains going that are female. My veg box will just hold 10 16oz cups, leaves very little room for my cloner. its tight in there to say the least.

I have a few plants right now that have a lower side branch with some legnth to it. I'll attempt this again on them sunday night. If again it becomes more trouble then its worth I'll just have to change my veg box to something with more room.

Thanks again guys for supporting the idea with all the great advice and ideas. I hope I get something to show for the research

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n_d_shadows

A second attempt was made lastnight on this venture and I have come to the conclusion that it is not worth the effort. It took 15 min to get 2 plants out and all the materials together to give it a go. Thats more time then it takes me to take 1 clone off every plant in my garden.

conclusion
for somebody with the time and a willingness to try something new, this is a good method.
For me, its just to time consuming and I believe with the results Im getting thus far with my usual method its not worth putting a square wheel on me wagon.

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buzzmobile

Air layering is better suited to woody perennials.

Snip dip stick works great for herbaceous annuals.

n_d_shadows

lesson learned Buzz. thanks for always pointing in the right direction. Now get your arse over to my journal and drop your .02 .

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buzzmobile

Any droppings I leave are called frass.

happydaisy

I don't have the success that seems common with the usual cloning methods. I have substantial loss (50% to 100%) due to various and changing fungal growth. I think this air-layering method may provide some relief, even given the difficulty. What do you think?

HD

naturall_mystic

Happydaisy, and welcome. Love the user name you chose. Air Layering may work for you. On going various and changing fungal growth is something that must be caused either by your method or equipment. Examine the method and sterilize the equipment.

Good Luck.

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n_d_shadows

agreed. this technique should work. I wish i could give you an estimate on how long before you see roots or as to which medium choice would work best but I cannot.
The vermiculte was a waste of time. It doesnt hold well enough to survive the wrap. Rockwool or a rapid rooter plug would prolly be more effective.

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