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Learn about the techniques of layering and division for propagating plants. This guide covers various types of layering, soil considerations, and methods of division. Discover how to successfully propagate plants and expand your garden.
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Layering and Division Plant Propagation
Layering: a form of rooting cuttings where new roots form on a stem while it is still attached to the mother plant. • Layer: A “new plant” produced by using some method of layering.
A short list of plants that can be propagated by layering: • Blackberry • Strawberry • Many species of ornamental trees and shrubs including: • Sweetgum • Linden • Beech • Juniper • Rhododendron • Witchhazel • Some species of Viburnums • Various Houseplants; Ficus, Croton and Dieffenbachia
There are several different types of layering: • Simple layering • Serpentine layering • Mound layering (also called “Stooling”) • Air layering
The Biology of Layering • The physical attachment of the stem to the mother plant facilitates the movement of water, carbohydrates, minerals and hormones to the rooting area. • The accumulation of carbohydrates and hormones in the rooting area is key to success. • Bending the stem • Girdling the stem • Incision • Darkness • The application of a rooting hormone is beneficial. • In most cases layering is best accomplished in the spring on dormant, hardwood shoots.
Soil Considerations for Outdoor Layering • A light, sandy soil is ideal. • Well-drained • Well aerated • Warms up quickly in the spring • Clay soils should be amended with sand and peat moss to a depth of 12 inches.
Simple Layering • Done outdoors on plants with flexible branches that can be bent to the ground. • Several layers can be created from one mother plant. • Wound the stem where it will be buried; use a pebble to keep the wound open. • Results in 12-18 months!
Serpentine Layering • Done outdoors on plants with a vine-like growth habit. • Honeysuckle, Clematis, Wisteria and Jasmine. • Requirements similar to simple layering. • Results in about 12 months.
Mound Layering (Stooling) • Done outdoors on plants with more rigid stems such as Deutzia and Sweet Mockorange. • Establish plants, 12 inches apart, in permanent rows. • During the dormant season cut the plants down to 1 inch. • The mounding of soil around the shoots occurs in stages during late spring-summer. • In fall the soil is pulled back and the layers are removed. • Results in 2 years.
Air Layering • Mostly done indoors on houseplants like Ficus, Croton and Dieffenbachia. • Remove a ½ inch ring of bark on the stem to be layered. • Apply hormone. • Dampen sphagnum moss and press into the wound. • Wrap clear plastic around the moss to prevent it from drying out. Tie at both ends. • After rooting, remove and pot up the layer. • Results in 2 months.
Many plants naturally propagate themselves using rhizomes, stolons and suckers. • Division: a form of plant propagation where a plant is “divided” into smaller pieces which are then planted outdoors or potted up.
Propagation by division takes advantage of the way plants naturally propagate themselves Iris Point of division Mother Plant Rhizome
Timing • Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if kept well-watered afterwards. • However, division is usually most successful while plants aren’t in active growth. • Divide summer-flowering plants in spring or autumn, and spring-flowering plants in summer after flowering.
Methods • Several methods are currently being used: • Dig up a large clump and chop into pieces using a sharp spade. • Dig up a large clump and tease apart using two back-to-back garden forks. • Smaller plants can be dug up and divided with a sharp knife.
