Cloning Fig Trees by Air Layering

Air layering a viable option for cloning fig trees, but I do not use this method because:

• You have to dedicate a whole branch to just one air layer. If you were to take cuttings from the same branch, you would have several chances to clone that tree as opposed to just one.
• Having a successful air layer forces you to commit a portion of the branch.
• To air layer a branch, the wood must be lignified so you can remove the bark. If you have a young tree, you will have mostly green wood, and you may have to wait until late summer to start the air layer, and that may be too late for the roots to form.
• You should start an air layer in early June so by August you can separate the successful air layer and have it potted. You should NOT start an air layer late in the season because in early October fig trees go dormant and potting a new air layer will be problematic.