Marcotting I

Marcotting or air layering is used in our farm to propagate fruit trees such as limau nipis, limau purut and lemon.  We also use it to increase the numbers of any endangered tree we come across.

Matured lemon tree from marcotting

 We have high success rates with the following method:

Have a clean cut on the chosen branch from the side of the tree facing the morning sun

Dusting with rooting powder helps speed up the process

Wrap with areca nut fiber that has been pre-soaked for an hour or so with boiled water

Wrap well with cling wrap

Finally wrap with aluminum foil

Keep the areca nut fiber continuously moist by injecting in boiled water once a week.  Use a syringe.  Inspect for root formation progress once a month.

Making areca nut fiber is easy.

Areca Palm ( areca catechu ) at the farm

 

Ripe areca nuts

Dry areca nuts

Peel open to expose the fiber

Fine areca nut fiber 

Sterilise the fiber by soaking in a light iodine solution for an hour and then sun drying.  The fiber will keep for months.  The fiber can also be used to make ropes, be woven, etc. Remember to soak thoroughly when using for marcotting.

 Next, how to poly bag it, and how to plant it in Marcotting II.