How to Propagate your most favorite Plants by Layering

 Stimulating the roots of the branches while they are still connected to the mother plant and growing them into new plants is called layering. Layering can be used to propagate plants that are difficult to root naturally.

There are two main types of layering.

•       ground layering 

•       air layering 

ground layering

This method can be used to breed plants that grow close to the ground and have a flexible stem.

An easier and more efficient method of grafting, which does not harm the mother plant in any way. The small branches and leaves that are about 10-12 cm away from the top should be removed and the branch should be bent to the ground and should be buried in the ground to a depth of 8-16 cm. The tip of the branch should not be placed under the soil. If the branch does not stand even if the branch is buried in the soil, a wedge should be applied, or a weight should be placed on it. After a while, the bent branch will grow roots in the part that is buried in the soil. For plants that are quite difficult to root, a small cut can be made in the subterranean part of the branch up to the cambium. After that, a fungicide is applied to the place where the crack was made, and a stone is placed between the cracks to separate the cracks. After 2-3 weeks, roots can be seen in the submerged part. After that, the piece of branch can be separated from the mother plant and kept in a required place.

   

Air layering

This method is used to root the branches of plants that are above the ground level and cannot be bent down and buried in the ground. A suitable branch of a plant is selected, and the bark is removed, or a cut is applied to the cambium of a part of about 5-8 cm near the knot of its leafy part. If a cut is applied, a piece of stone should be wedged in the cut to prevent contact of the cut. To stimulate rooting, a hormone containing indole acetic acid should be spread on the cutting surface and the planting medium mixed with organic manure, topsoil, coir and water should be kept covering the cutting surface and tied tightly using polythene cover.

Here it is important to keep water runoff to a minimum. Lead or triple laminated paper can be used instead of polythene. If it is difficult to find other planting media, you can use coir mixed with water for the culture media.

This new plant can be separated and planted in the field by making an oblique cut below the point of layering close to the mother plant.

Between 7-14 days after branching, white roots can be seen inside the polythene cover. Problems arise due to not choosing the right plants, adverse weather conditions, damage from animals, etc. while layering. 

In rainy conditions, the cutting surface is susceptible to disease and the mother plant is also damaged. In order to avoid these problems, it is important to select suitable plants, take care of the weather conditions, use of wire in aerial layering, and use of clean equipment.

what are the benefits of layering? 

1. Easier control due to lower height plants than seed plants.
2. Being an easy method with simple technique
3. No special equipment required
4. Minimizing damage to the mother plant
5. Getting new plants from removed branches.
6. Availability of planting materials throughout the year