As you may remember, I did my first air layering this December. I learned a lot from that experience, but it was flawed in many ways. I decided to revisit it now that the growing conditions are more ideal. Upon removing the plastic, no roots had grown. Sad day. But, I figured I could help it along.

Using my handy dandy new wood carver, I sliced up the edges deeper. This should shock the tree more- I think I was a bit too conservative in my first attempt. However, removing more bark did slice up the main trunk a bit. It’s all good.

There she is! Much thinner than before.

I removed a few of the lower branches to make room for the bag. I think a mistake I previously make was putting the bag too low- the roots grow above the wound, not on it. This way, the moss will be where the roots should grow. I also dampened the moss and tied it tightly so that the water won’t evaporate. Maybe this attempt will work! It’s all a work in progress.