# Air layered Coastal Redwood

**URL:** <https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323>\
**Category:** Horticulture\
**Created:** [February 9, 2022, 11:52pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323 "2022-02-09T23:52:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SteveS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SteveS](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/SteveS)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2022, 11:52pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323/1 "2022-02-09T23:52:55Z")

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Last fall I thought I’d air layer a basal sprout coming from one of my coastal redwoods as an experiment. Usually I cut them, but there was an exceptionally thick one I thought I’d play with.

Today, I checked for progress and I saw roots! Given the size of this air layer (~10 feet), I would like to get some advice from The forum on how to maximize chances for success.

- when should I collect?
- Into what media should I plant it?
- should I trim before collecting?
- is this a lost cause?

Thanks!

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bonsaimirai/original/3X/4/a/4a4f8f69046bdf592720e9686a4ce501c1b5ec92.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bonsaimirai/original/3X/b/5/b52c1927bab2d3a38de32bc04c6ce86c6e3759f5.jpeg)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/bonsaimirai/original/3X/4/8/4889a050fe5e4d23cfdd5876fa3f0d242fe24873.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Jsig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/848f3c/32.png) [@Jsig](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Jsig)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 12:11am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323/2 "2022-02-12T00:11:31Z")

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I wouldn’t think of air layering something like a redwood, but it makes perfect sense that it would work. They grow like crazy given any opportunity.

When - when you think you have enough roots to support it  
Media - I transplanted a bunch of smaller shoots into normal potting soil and it did great. Not sure about something this size.  
Trimming - I’d definitely trim to lessen the demand on the roots. Redwoods will grow like crazy so keep anything promising and cut the rest back.

Definitely not a lost cause. I took a lot of cuttings from my old backyard and had 100% success. I’m pretty sure redwoods are indestructible as long as you don’t drown them. I had basically a dead branch that sprouted new buds and is now thriving.

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**Author:** ![SteveS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SteveS](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/SteveS)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 11:40pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323/3 "2022-02-12T23:40:07Z")

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Thanks for the sound advice Jsig.

I remember watching a video where Ryan discussed the value of foliage for root production. In this particular case I’d love thoughts on whether to trim this air layer down now or after harvesting?

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**Author:** ![cbrshadow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@cbrshadow](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/cbrshadow)\
**Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 4:18am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323/4 "2022-05-26T04:18:13Z")

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Hey I’m curious about how this went. Did the tree recover?

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**Author:** ![mff321](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@mff321](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/mff321)\
**Post date:** [November 26, 2022, 5:29pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/air-layered-coastal-redwood/9323/5 "2022-11-26T17:29:05Z")

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I’m very curious as well - any update?