The types of layering

Less well-known than taking cuttings or sowing seeds, discover layering — another plant propagation technique. It is often used for plants that have difficulty reproducing through cuttings.

Layering in a few words :

Layering consists of encouraging a stem to root while it is still attached to the parent plant. This way, it continues to receive nutrients from the original plant and can develop roots. It will later be detached from the parent plant and replanted in a pot or in the ground.
It is an easy technique that requires little attention and minimal equipment. There are several types of layering, but all offer the same advantages: you can obtain several plants from a single mother plant, the new plants retain the characteristics of the original (color, scent), and the success rate is generally very high.

Which plants are suitable ?

Layering works well for climbing plants such as wisteria, shrubs like the strawberry tree, and even indoor plants like the Ficus. In general, the shoots, stems, or branches should be flexible. The substrate should be rich and of good quality. The ideal time for layering is the summer season.

The different types of layering

Air layering :

This method is often recommended for difficult shrubs, such as yerba mate or guayusa plants.

• Remove the leaves from the selected stem.

• Make a shallow incision on the shoot to encourage root formation.

• Prepare a sleeve of moist potting mix in a plastic bag or use moss. Place it around the incision and seal the top with an elastic band or adhesive tape.

• The shoot will develop roots at the incision point. It may take several weeks or even several months (2 to 3 months) before the new plant can be replanted.

Ground layering :

This method involves bending a branch or stem. It is suitable for plants with long, flexible branches such as rosemary.

To do this:

• Choose the desired branch.

• Dig a small trench and partially bury the branch after removing its leaves.

• Cover it with substrate, ensuring the tip of the branch remains above the soil. Water thoroughly.

• The buried section will develop roots. Later, you can separate it from the mother plant and transplant it elsewhere.

Serpentine (or simple) layering :

This type is similar to ground layering. Here, the aim is to layer the same stem at several points in order to obtain a large number of plants. The process is the same as for ground layering. Ideally, choose a young, very long stem. Climbing plants such as kudzu are ideal candidates.

Mound (or stool) layering :

This method is perfect for fruit trees such as longan, sea buckthorn, or jostaberry. These are trees or shrubs whose branches are not flexible and cannot be bent or laid on the ground. It involves creating a mound of soil at the base of a shrub by burying an entire young shoot.

• Bury a whole shoot (about 15 cm high) with a mixture of soil and sand, forming a mound.

• The base of the new shoots will be able to develop roots.

• After winter, dig up the mound. The new roots will be ready to be harvested and replanted.