Skip to main content

Layering

/LAY-er-ing/
✂️ Propagation●● Intermediate

Also known as: marcotting, air layering

A propagation technique where a stem is encouraged to produce roots while still connected to the parent plant, typically by bending a low branch to the ground and covering a section with soil. Once rooted, the new plant is severed from the parent.

Etymology

From Old French laier, meaning "to leave."

Example

Magnolias can be propagated by air layering — wrapping a wounded branch section in moist sphagnum moss.