If you’ve read my post on <a href="https://gardeningtipsnideas.com/2006/02/propagating_by_soillayering.html">soil-layering</a> then you’re already a couple of steps ahead. Air-layering is a very similar procedure but rather than keeping the cut stem below the ground the process keeps it in the air.

It’s a very successful technique which can be applied to most of the same plants that can be soil-layered. Read on for how to do it…

<span id="more-708"></span>To propagate by soil-layering use the following steps;
<ol>
 	<li><em><strong>Locate a suitable stem</strong></em> find a leggy, pliable stem that grows leaves along it.</li>
 	<li><em><strong>Make an underside incision</strong></em> find a place along the stem that won’t reach the ground. Make an incision on the stem at upward slant, taking care not to cut through more than 1/3 of the stem.</li>
 	<li><em><strong>Dust with hormone powder</strong></em> if you don’t want to risk the result use a little of the powder or gel around the cut.</li>
 	<li><em><strong>Premoisten your sphagnum moss</strong></em> the key to successfully propagating by air-layering is that the sphagnum moss remains moist thoughout the process. If it dries out, the roots will suffer before they start and will wither and die.</li>
 	<li><em><strong>Encase the incision with the sphagnum moss</strong></em> make sure the sphagnum moss is packed heavily around the cut so as to not leave any area exposed. Then wrap plastic wrap around the moss and tie each end securely using electricians tape. This will keep the moss from drying out.
The benefit of the plastic wrap is that you will be able to see when the roots have begun to form and will know when it is time to cut the new plant away.</li>
 	<li><em><strong>Plant it out</strong></em> cut the stem just below the moss leaving the upper part of the stem with leaves intact. Remove the plastic keeping the moss still tight against the new plant and plant out in some premium potting mix. Keep your new plant in a greenhouse or under plastic for a couple of weeks as it establishes itself in the pot.</li>
</ol>