December 16, 2008

The birth of a new fig tree, come see how it's done

Last week, Erika was examining the fig trees, which are now in the greenhouse for the winter.  She wasn’t happy with one branch, in particular, because it was growing in an odd direction.  Rather than pruning and discarding the branch, she decided to try air layering, a process of propagating, which involves the formation of roots directly on the plant’s stem.  After several weeks, roots should begin to form and the branch can then be cut below the root formation area and potted, making for a new fig tree.  How fun and practical!  Air layering is often used for other woody-stemmed plants, as well, such as magnolia, holly, and fruit and nut trees.

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