Plant Propagation
Introduction > Layering

Layering

Layering is a method of making a stem cutting while the cutting is still attached to the parent plant. In layering, a portion of the stem is buried in the soil. Roots then form on the stem, and a complete plant - both stem and roots - can be cut from the parent plant. The layering technique is often successful because the “new” plant continues to receive water and nutrients from the parent plant until it is cut off.

 

 

Photo of a serpentine layered plant

In this section on layering, you'll learn:

• the basic steps to use when propagating a plant by layering,

• how to make a simple layer, a tip layer, and a serpentine layer,

all about air layering, a popular method for propagating tropical houseplants.