Cyathea tree fern air layering

[John2468]

Hello everyone, I saw this video online saying that you can air layer Cyathea tree ferns, can anybody confirm? Thanks!!

 

[Motlife]

I'm not sure if it would work or not, but the only reason to do it would be to reduce the height of the plant. The base of the cyathea won't regrow after the top is cut off. With dicksonias you can lop off a section of trunk and you'll get regrowth from the base, plus the removed trunk will grow roots if watered well. Cyatheas don't do that (at least the nz species), but they do transplant alright if you dig a decent root ball. 

[Josh76]

13 hours ago, Motlife said:

With dicksonias you can lop off a section of trunk and you'll get regrowth from the base, plus the removed trunk will grow roots if watered well.

Only Dicksonia squarrosa will do this. D. antarctica won't resprout from the base if cut.

[Motlife]

Good to know, I've never grown the Aussie species. I think they still grow roots easily if cut off, right, unlike cyatheas? 

[Josh76]

On 6/23/2024 at 2:57 AM, Motlife said:

Good to know, I've never grown the Aussie species. I think they still grow roots easily if cut off, right, unlike cyatheas? 

Yes - the top part roots easily if given adequate water 👍