Just looking for some more focused bonsai advice. I am looking to air layer some branches off a large melaleuca linariifolia to use as bonsai material. I have some plastic air layering pods to use, but many of the places I have looked have recommended Sphagnum moss around the branch. Currently, there are no stores within 150km that sell this. It is still available online, however, would anyone advise any alternative materials? I have access to peat moss and most bunnings soils.
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Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your post and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your this posts.
Thank you community, I'll keep my eye out for moss when it comes back around, but in the meantime, I may do a bit of experimenting, thank you.
Hello Duncan,
I just recently took an air layering off a silver maple using sphagnum moss and in two months the plastic ball was full of roots. As for an alternative, the first thing that came to my mind was peat moss, I was also thinking maybe coco coir as it's a blank slate and is similar.
Hi Duncan, I'm in SA but was able to pick up shagnum moss for the first time in a while so looks like stock is starting to come back in. I have seen some on ebay but you will pay a fair bit more for it.
Hi Duncan, Now would be a great time to start your air layering as the weather begins to warm up, As for the sphagnum moss it has been a little scarce for a few months now, i don't even have any on hand. If you can get it online i would grab it while you can. Sphagnum is the way too go, it stay nice and moist and has been proven to work time and time again. I have seen people use standard potting mix and have success but i couldn't guarantee results.