A propagation method where a branch is bent to the ground, partially buried or wrapped in moist medium to encourage rooting while still attached to the parent plant, then separated once rooted.
In plain terms
Bend a living branch down to soil, bury part of it (or wrap in sphagnum moss and plastic), and keep it moist. Roots develop at the buried section while the branch is still fed by the parent plant. Once rooted (4-12 weeks depending on plant), cut the rooted section from the parent and plant it as a new plant. It's slower than cuttings but has higher success rates.
Why this matters
Layering works on plants where cuttings are difficult. It's the easiest propagation method for beginners because the rooting branch is still feeding from the parent plant during rooting.
In practice
Examples
Raspberry branch layered to ground; roots develop at buried section; separate in fall; new plant ready to plant elsewhere.
Woody ornamental air-layered; branch wrapped in sphagnum and plastic; roots develop inside moss; cut and plant new plant.
Strawberry runners naturally layer; when runner touches soil and roots, cut from parent; new plant established.
Blueberry cane layering; bend flexible cane, bury section, keep moist; rooted cane separates in following season.
Practical applications
Choose flexible, young branches (easier to bend than old wood).
Wound the buried section slightly (scrape bark) to encourage rooting.
Keep layering area moist until rooting occurs.
Once rooted and new growth appears, separate from parent plant.
Air-layering works on woody plants that don't root easily in soil.