Hi,

I have a lot of Bonsai experience, but this is my first real attempt to air layer. I've got four on Japanese Maples going now, three an a Sango Kaku growing in my yard and one on a red laceleaf also in the ground. I followed all the tried and true methods and I'm pretty sure that they're going ok. I did it in late April and they all have leafed out above the layering area. My question is this.

I used the split pot with fast draining soil method recommended in a Bonsai Today article on layering Maples. I thought it was better that they were already in a pot when they were separated from the parent. The problem is that I can't visualy check the root develpopment this way. Is there a way to tell by the vitality of the part above the layer if enough roots have formed. If I wait until Fall to try to let as many roots develop as possible, should I do it before or after leaf drop. I'm not in a hurry but I'm hesitant to leave the layers on over the winter. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve