How do I start a new plant from a loquat tree cutting?

Answer 1

Air layering is a fun propagation technique. You force the plant to produce roots on the stem while it is still attached to the tree. The mother plant provides water while the shoot is developing roots so survival is often higher than rooting cuttings.

To air layer, remove a few leaves 8" to 12" from the shoot tip, so you have a 4" to 6" stem section exposed. Scrape a one inch section of the stem to remove the outer layer of tissue all the way around. Dust a small amount of rooting powder on the cut area with a small paint brush or cotton swab. Have ready a square of plastic wrap, a slit recycled plastic bag or a piece of a bread bag. Two long wire twist ties also come in handy. Soak two hands full of sphagnum moss then gently squeeze to remove dripping water. Now comes the tricky part and the need for an extra set of hands.

Hold the sheet of plastic in your hand and place the clump of wet moss on top. Press a crease in it and fold it around the damaged part of the stem. Hold the plastic tightly and secure the bottom edge to the stem with a wire tie.

Then carefully, fold the edges of the plastic together where the plastic meets to form a good seal and hold in moisture. (Normally this is when the entire clump of moss falls on the ground and you holler for a friend.)

Use another wire tie to secure the top of the plastic around the stem. The plastic holds the moss against the cut stem and provides a moist place for roots to grow while it is still attached to the original mother plant.

Some gardeners prefer to cover the plastic with foil to keep birds from pecking at the worm like roots and prevent sunlight from damaging tender new roots.

Watch roots grow inside the plastic. After a month or so, when the roots fill the moss, you are ready to remove the rooted cutting and plant it in a pot. Be sure to cut the shoot BELOW the rooted area so the new cutting has roots. Don’t make the common mistake of cutting above the roots or you get to plant an un-rooted cutting.