■ This extract from AG 7 June 1975 is part 5 of a 12-part series on how to propagate a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants by various forms of propagation. Note: peat will often be mentioned in these articles, and while many new peat-free alternatives are available, peat composts are still on sale for those who choose not to use peat-free. If using peat-free, please note that details of watering and nutrients will vary.
BASICALLY, layering is a method of propagation that induces stems to produce roots, and eventually new plants, while they are still attached to the parent plant. This is accomplished mainly by pegging the stems down into the surrounding soil, but there are modifications. The stem, which is encouraged to root, is known as a layer.
Layering is a popular method of propagation because one can usually expect 100% success. It is also popular because it allows one to propagate shrubs and trees that are difficult or impossible to raise from seed, cuttings or other vegetative techniques. The resultant young plants will be identical to their parents.
The conventional method of pegging down a branch into the soil is suitable for all subjects whose branches
