Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that’s available to you. This is the process of encouraging roots to develop on a branch that is still attached to the parent plant, and then cutting the rooted branch free to plant elsewhere.
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use more than two or three branches per tree to layer simultaneously, because the rooting process can be taxing on the tree, leading to poor health overall.
For plants that are composed of both semi-hardwood and hardwood growth, such as the pomegranate, air layering works very well.
It is almost always the easiest and most highly guaranteed method as compared to the other options, for several reasons.
First, air layering allows roots to develop prior to separating the branch from the parent plant, as opposed to taking cuttings – a method that has a moderate rate of failure.
In addition to this, there’s no need to wait like you would for a cutting to develop leaves and then go through the process of hardening off, since the plants will already be acclimated to outdoor growing conditions.
Another advantage is that the propagated portion can potentially be larger, hardier, and ready to produce blossoms and fruit more quickly after being planted in its new home – and the fruit it produces will be clones of that of the parent plant, with the same characteristics.
It’s also the lowest-maintenance propagation method, as compared to the others. After the initial setup, you’ll only need to check on it periodically until it’s ready to be cut and planted, unless it’s disturbed by animals or insects.
If animals or insects do manage to unwrap or penetrate the plastic, check to make sure they haven’t eaten or infested the forming roots. If either occurs, you should remove the wrapping, cut the branch off below the roots, and start over with a new branch.
To begin, all you’ll need is a sharp sanitized plant knife, some sphagnum moss, plastic wrap, and a twist tie, zip tie, or tape.
Or, if you want to simplify the process even further, you can spring for inexpensive and reusable air layering devices such as one of these, or these, or these, or dozens of other choices available from Amazon.
Air Layering Kit Choose a healthy hardwood branch of 12 to 24 inches in length that is at least one year old. A branch that shows signs of new growth is ideal, so plan to begin air layering in late winter or early spring in warmer regions, or mid- to late spring in cooler regions.
About an inch below the first cut, make another parallel cut in a ring all the way around.
Between those two rings, cut only the bark open with a slit, but do not cut into or through the interior of the branch. Pull the ring of bark off and scrape away most of the remaining underlying green cambium layer.
You can dust the exposed portion with rooting hormone powder at this time, if you wish to use it.
Lay a 10- to 12-inch piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Moisten a handful of sphagnum moss and place it in the center of the clear plastic wrap.
Or, if you’re using a purchased device, use the moss to fill both sides of the air layering device instead.
Wrap the plastic or snap the device together around the branch to fully enclose the exposed portion, and secure it in place with zip ties, twist ties, or waterproof tape.
It will take at least a few weeks for roots to form, but you’ll be able to tell either by feeling the plastic, which will feel noticeably more firm, or by opening the plastic or the layering device and taking a look.
The roots will be white to light brown, and as they grow, you’ll want to make sure the medium remains moist but not wet.
Adding an eyedropperful of water when you notice the medium feels nearly dry to the touch – about once every one to two weeks – is enough to moisten the medium without causing rotting.
Once the roots fill out in the available space until they’re visible on the outside of the moss, it’s time to cut the branch free of the parent plant.
Use sharp pruning shears and make a clean cut below the wrapped roots, between the root ball and the trunk of the tree. Keep the roots wrapped until you’re ready to plant.
Prepare the planting site – which should have good drainage, loamy soil with lots of organic material, and at least eight hours of full sunlight – with a hole as deep and about twice as wide as the root system. Loosen the soil to allow the young roots to grow easily.
Carefully unwrap the roots and place the plant in the hole, pushing the soil in around it, and pressing with your hands to seat it firmly. Water it deeply to settle it in.
Note: You may also choose to make a simple cut with an upward slant about two-thirds through (be careful not to cut all the way). Then insert a small piece of hard plastic or a toothpick to keep the wound from closing. You can then wrap this with the moss and plastic as above. This method works well for less woody plants.
Read more at Gardening Know How: What Is Air Layering: Learn About Air Layering Plants https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/layering/air-layering-plants.htm
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