Air layering method to propagate the difficult to root plants was developed by the Chinese centuries ago. It requires excessive care and patience so air layering was used by the highly experienced plants-men. In Air layering propagation you have to wound the stem of the plant and then close the wound with moist sphagnum moss or some similar medium till the new roots develop from the wound.

Air layering method is not used for easy to root plants. Only ornamental plants such as dieffenbachia, figs, croton and others of an herbaceous nature this method is used.

The following steps are for making successful air layer propagation

With a sharp knife make two parallel cuts about 1 inches apart around the stem. The bark and the cambium layer should be cut. Then connect the two cuts with one long cut and remove the ring so the inner tissue would be exposed.

A handful of moist sphagnum moss should be applied to cover the wounded area. Tie the moss in position with a string. The moss has to be thoroughly moist. There should not be excessive moisture as it will kill the plant tissue.

Depending on the size of the plant wrap the sphagnum ball with a sheet of polyethylene and seal the two ends of the sheets. You should draw the upper end of the polyethylene very snugly so that moss is not exposed. Tape it with a good tape so that moisture does not escape from both ends. Give some support to the plant so the wounded area should not break.

After the new roots come out of the moss ball and are visible you can remove the rooted branch from the parent plant. Cut the new plant just bellow the moss ball. With good care place it in the container with a good potting mixture or a well prepared soil. Place a polyethylene tent over the new plant for 4 to 8 days so that the roots take firm hold of the soil. It will also help in preventing the loss of moisture. Keep the plant away from the direct sun light. After the new roots are developed you can gradually expose the plant to the normal surrounding by pricking the tent and letting the moisture escape. After the humidity level is similar to the out side atmosphere remove the tent and your new plant is ready.