I tried this once on 'Celestial'. I got a LOT of callousing, but no roots in that case. There was a forum member a couple of years ago who was singing the praises of rooter pots ... essentially a two part plastic contraption that does the same thing as the wrapping to keep the media moist and in place around the stem while we are praying for roots. If I remember correctly, he had some really decent success with them. I think he said he got them from Lee Valley, or some place like that. Google 'rooter pot' and see what you get.

Thanks, Connie! I looked them up. I think the only thing different about them and just wrapping some peat moss around a stem is the water reservoir. Since they're kind of expensive I think I'll try what I have on hand first. It LOOKS like you could make your own rooter pot with a small plastic drinking cup with a lid. But I guess there is a raised lip around the lower hole that keeps water in. I am not sure yet how fast a traditional air layer would dry out, but assume it works at least part of the time. I asked Paul Zimmerman why these particular roses are hard to root and he said it's a mystery why some are hard to root..a plant can be very vigorous and still balk at rooting. I see other people have trouble rooting teas whereas they are easy here.

Lee Valley Tools sells a kit called The Rooter Pot that does this kind of rooting right on the plant.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Rooter Pot

Thank you, Seil. I must try plain old cheap air layering methods first, because those pots could add up if you wanted to propagate a bunch of them. Am not sure the additional moisture is necessary..guess I'll find out. A plant would look pretty ugly with a lot of air layer pouches on the canes though, at least for awhile.

I always thought the method in the video (see link) was very cool. It shows air layering a grape. Certainly should be able to be modified and used on a rose.
I would use a lot smaller bottle, like a small juice bottle or water bottle, etc. A smaller bottle would also allow it to be attached directly to the bush, if not a small stake would support it.

Also check out the video on "propagating a michelia alba" on the same page. That's a lot of scraping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Air layering