We are almost 10 weeks after wrapping the air layer and I'm about to chop it down for potting as I think it's ready. I won't have any more access to the property after 1/15/24; it's over.

I went with the 5-1-1 mix. For that I got the repti pine bark and coarse perlite #2. Both very consistent and very clean products. I understand it's 5 parts pine bark, 1 part coarse perlite and the 1 part potting soil. And that's my issue. I cannot find any consensus on what type of potting soil to get. I seeing stuff about PH levels and fertilizer. I'm just seeking help with this. Also, we are in SoCal and it doesn't get below 50 degrees here. Happy holidays and tell you loved ones you love them.

Also, if these fail (2 air layers) I have successfully rooted 16 cuttings and spread them out throughout the family. So destined not to fail. Thanks for the help in advance

In my experience you really don't need to be so hung up about these numbers. You can always change your growing medium to your own liking and fertellize afterwards with liquid feed if need be.

Important for citrus is good drainage, so adding perlite or vermiculite (I'd say 30% of the total volume is good) is a great way.
Stay away from woody growing media though. They're good for epitphytes; not so much for lithophytes.

Arico said: In my experience you really don't need to be so hung up about these numbers. You can always change your growing medium to your own liking and fertellize afterwards with liquid feed if need be.

Important for citrus is good drainage, so adding perlite or vermiculite (I'd say 30% of the total volume is good) is a great way.
Stay away from woody growing media though. They're good for epitphytes; not so much for lithophytes.

I hear you about being hung up on numbers. I certainly have been. Our family appreciates the advice. I'll post some updated pics from yesterday. We still don't think it 100% ready to come off yet. It's been 10 weeks. I'll post the progress

Ended up going fox farm. As I pull these from the tree I will update I think

Seems to me you are making good progress!

One month after the air layer. Doing really well

Not sure if we should pull the flowers off or let them go until the fruit is the size of a pea and then pull it off (if it gets there). The answers are all over the place. Seems to be no consensus

If it were me, I would pull the flowers off - so the plant does not use its' energy for flowers.

Pulled them off