Layering is the method of inducing roots on the stem while it is still attached to a plant; & then cutting it once the roots are formed for further transplantation. The objective of layering is same as that of stem cuttings i.e. for clonal propagation of plants. The only difference is that root induction in layering is done before the branch is separated from the mother plant, which ensures higher success rate.

Also Read: How to Grow Plants from Stem Cuttings

• About Air Layering

There are different types of layering like Simple layering, Mound layering, Compound layering, etc. but most commonly practised method is Air Layering or Gootee layering. A layer is a selected shoot which is allowed to form its roots before it is disconnected from the parent. The process of making a layer on the high branches is known as air layering or ‘gootying’.

Plants grown by air layering:

Steps for plant propagation by air layering:

• Shrub or tree with medium sized branches that are suitable for layering is selected.
• Choose a non-flowering healthy branch which is neither too young nor too old.
• Cut off most of the old, mature leaves at the portion of the branch where layering is to be done.
• At an appropriate distance, remove the peel ring of bark (3-5 cm) circularly and expose the inner tissue.
• Apply rooting hormone to the wound by a painting brush.
• Cover the wound with wet sphagnum moss which is pre-imbibed in water.

• Cover the moss by polyethene paper & tie the polyethene on either side by a thread; this will hold the moss on the wound. The structure should look like a toffee covered in a wrapper. This structure is called as Gootee.
• Make incisions on Gootee by the blade for aeration.
• After 2-3 weeks or 1-2 months, depending on species, roots will be formed. Young root tips will be visible from the Gootee.
• Once roots are formed, detach the branch from the main plant along with the roots.
• Transplant the layered branch in soil/pot/poly bag as a new sapling.

When to do air layering?