Layering

This article is about a plant propagation method. For the vertical structure of a forest, see vegetation layers.

Plants can be propagated through layering.

Layering is a method of plant propagation method where branch bases are left attached to their mother plant with the a section partially buried. The belowground section will start forming roots, after which the plant can be detached from the mother plant to grow elsewhere or left intact to expand the plants' coverage. This method can occur naturally or induced by humans.

Many bushes and shrubs with flexible stems can be layered, as well as woody plants that lose their leaves along the stem such as rubber trees. Some vines, such as philodendron, can also be propagated through layering.

Types

There are multiple types of layering.

Simple layering

Bend a stem until the middle of the soil touches the soil. Secure with a U-shaped pin if necessary. Place additional soil on top of the branch's middle to cover.

Tip layering

Place the very tip of the stem underground and cover with soil.

Serpentine layering

For long, flexible branches, place multiple sections of the same branch underground, weaving the stem above and below. This propogates plants at an increased rate.

Mound layering

For heavy-stemmed shrubs and trees, clip the main stem down to the ground and cover. Buds at the stem ends will form into a number of rooted branches.

Air layering

Peel the bark from the middle of a branch and cover the exposed wood with moss and plastic wrap. Once roots form inside the moss, cut the rooted tip from the plant.