The Benefits

The benefits of using the DynaBall™ in air-layering as a method of plant propagation include:

1. Easy Of Use: The DynaBall is one of the most user-friendly, affordable, and easily accessible re-usable cloning balls available in South Africa at this time.
2. Asexual Propagation: Air-layering is an asexual method of plant propagation, allowing for the production of identical plants to the parent plant.
3. Cost-Effective: Air-layering is a relatively low-cost method of plant propagation compared to other techniques such as seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
4. Increased Propagation Success: Air-layering has a high success rate and is ideal for propagating difficult-to-root plants, such as woody shrubs and trees.
5. Minimal Damage to Parent Plant: Air-layering involves removing a section of stem and leaves from the parent plant, minimizing damage to the parent plant compared to methods such as stem cutting.
6. Increased Plant Health: Air-layering can result in increased plant health and vigor compared to other propagation methods, due to the production of healthy roots.
7. Flexibility: Air-layering can be performed at any time of year, making it a flexible method of plant propagation.
8. Increased Stock: Air-layering allows for the production of new plants from a single parent plant, increasing stock and reducing the need for purchasing new plants.

By using air-layering, growers can take advantage of these benefits and improve the success of their plant propagation efforts.

How To Use

Step-by-step guide on how to use a plant cloning ball for air-layering propagation:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Dynaball(s)
2. Pruning shears or a sharp knife
3. Dynaroot Rooting Hormone Gel or Powder
4. Moist sphagnum moss or other suitable rooting medium
5. Plastic wrap or plastic bag (Optional)
6. Cable ties (Optional)
7. Spray bottle filled with water

METHOD:

Step 1 – Selecting the Stem:

Choose a healthy and mature stem on the parent plant that you wish to propagate. Look for a stem that is flexible and still actively growing. Avoid stems that are overly woody or brittle.

Step 2 – Preparing the DynaBall:

Ensure that your DynaBall is clean and ready to use. If necessary, rinse it with water to remove any debris and ensure that the ball fits onto the growth that you have chosen. 

Step 3 – Making an Incision:

Using pruning shears or a sharp knife, make a clean incision or a shallow cut around the stem where you want roots to form. The incision should be about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep and should encircle the stem. Agitate the cambium well, but be careful to not damage the stem.

Step 4 – Applying Dynaroot Rooting Hormone Gel or Powder to enhance root development:

Apply Dynaroot rooting hormone to the exposed part of the stem. Apply Dynaroot Powder or Gel to the cut area or use a brush to apply it evenly. Always remember to decant the required quantity of the rooting hormones into a separate container, so to eliminate the possibility of contamination.

Step 5 – Inserting the Stem into the DynaBall:

Gently open the DynaBall and place the stem with the incision into the ball, ensuring that the cut area is well-positioned inside. Close the DynaBall by clipping the four corners into each other and securing the hinges accordingly. Cable ties can be used for strong root species. There are three dedicated sapces for cable ties. Top, middle and bottom.

Step 6 – Adding Rooting Medium:

Fill the cloning ball with moist sphagnum moss or any suitable rooting medium, such as cocopeat, perlite or vermiculite. Pack the medium gently around the stem, ensuring it remains in contact with the cut area.

Step 7 (Optional):

Cover the DynaBall with plastic wrap or place it inside a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Seal the plastic wrap or bag around the stem using a rubber band or twine. This helps retain moisture and creates an enclosed space for root development.

Step 8 – Providing Moisture:

Regularly mist the rooting medium inside the DynaBall with water from the spray bottle. Aim to keep the medium consistently moist but not soggy. Ensure that excess water can drain out of the ball to prevent waterlogging.

Step 9 – Monitoring and Care:

Place the air-layered stem in a suitable location with indirect sunlight. Monitor the DynaBall regularly to maintain moisture levels and check for signs of root development. Avoid exposing the DynaBall to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as it may cause excessive heat build-up.

Step 10 – Separating the New Plant:

After a few weeks or when you notice significant root development, carefully open the DynaBall. Sever the stem just below the newly formed roots using pruning shears or a sharp knife. Plant the newly rooted cutting in a suitable pot or planting location, providing proper care and attention as it continues to grow.

Remember, each plant species may have specific requirements, so it’s advisable to research the particular plant’s air-layering needs and adjust the process accordingly. With patience and care, using a DynaBall for air-layering propagation can yield successful results and help you expand your plant collection.

DynaBall™ Colours

The re-usable DynaBall™ is available in 3 different colours:

Transparent DynaBall™: A frosty, transparent material allows for visual observation of root growth & development

Green: the green cloning ball is UV protected, and not at all transparent.

Hybrid: The hybrid DynaBall is half transparent (see above), and half green for partial UV protection.

Testimonials

(PBR) International teamed up with the SANBI team and other institutions, and suggested the use of our Dip&Root Rooting hormones as well as the DynaBalls to succesfully regenerate new Mutavhatsindi trees, scientifically known as Brackenridgea Zanguebarica, and to their great surprise, they saw root formation right before their very own eyes. All the propagation methods tested had not shown any promising results. However, through the manipulation of Plant Growth Regulators, such as Dip & Root, and using the air layering method and DynaBall, positive results were obtained.

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