I have a six foot tall mature Magnolia grandiflora (dwarf variety). There is a branch about two feet long coming out from the side I want to get rid of. I thought I'd give air layering a shot. I used zip lock plastic and twist ties and sphagnum moss that was dunked in a vitamin B1 solution. I wasnt sure whether to put the air layer on the greenwood or on the hard wood. I just cut three slits on the side of the woody area and put the air layer there. I've never tried this before, so im not sure if I'm doing anything wrong. I am concerned that algae will grow in the moss and on the inside of the plastic. Does algae usually grow in air layers? I was thinking about wrapping it in foil but I'm not sure if thats good for anything. How long should I wait for the plant to root? Also, is there any way that I can harm the tree by doing this? Any help would be good.

Mahalo