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Propagation - Layering


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Overview:

Layering is the process where stems that are still attached to the parent plant form roots at the point where they touch a rooting medium (soil / compost)

When the rooted the stem is severed from the parent plant and becomes a new plant.

This method of vegetative propagation usually gives a high success rate because the cutting is still part of the parent plant as it roots, and is not subjected to the stresses that other types of cuttings may undergo.

Some plants layer themselves naturally, whereas others may require some manual intervention.


Simple layering:


Alternatively, use a sunken pot / tray filled with compost as opposed to layering into a hole.

This method effectively gives you a 'Plug / Potted Plant' thus saving the need to lift the rooted layer and pot up as you would do with the previous method!


 
Alternative methods of Layering :

Example using a tray

'Serpentine' method
Serpentine layering:

This method is basically the same as Simple Layering.

That is; you can either peg the stem to the ground / soil or use the alternative method and use a series of pots or a tray.


The beauty of this method is; it allows you to to peg down many more nodes along the same stem as you want/require!.

This then results in a number of new plants being produced from one stem!


Tip layering:

Sketch of how to proceed

'Tip Layering' method

Often used with Fruit trees such as Blackberries.


In late summer select healthy shoots that have been produced that season and that can be readily bent down to a convenient spot beneath the plant.

Excavate a 150mm (6”) deep hole with a hand trowel.

Make one side slope towards the parent plant.

Secure the shoot tip (snoot) with a wire peg or stone before filling in with soil.


The layer/s should be well rooted by winter.

After rooting sever it from the parent plant leaving about 300mm (12”) of old cane still attached, over-winter it in a cold frame.

Transplant severed layers in early spring.


An alternative method is to do all as above, but layer into a pot of compost as opposed into a hole.


'Mound Layering' method
Mound (stool) Layering:

Often used when propagating Gooseberries and Apple rootstocks.


Cut the plant back to 25mm (1") above the soil in the dormant season.

Mound soil / compost over the emerging shoots in the spring to enhance their rooting.


Air layering:

Air layering is used to propagate some indoor plants with thick stems, or to rejuvenate them when they become leggy as described here.