What are the basic methods of layering propagation?

When growing flowers that are difficult to root from cuttings or that have many roots and leaves, layering propagation is usually used to solve the problem, so what are the basic methods of layering propagation?

There are many different layering propagation methods, such as simple layering, horizontal layering, wave layering, mound layering and air layering. Different plants are suited to different layering propagation methods, depending on the actual situation.

1. Simple layering. This layering method is more suitable for plants with soft branches and tendrils, such as lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) and wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), and for tree species that have many easily bent branches near the ground. The specific layering operation method is: bend 1-2 year old branches of the mother plant that are near the ground in all directions, make a notch below, press them into a pit, fix them with hooks, cover with soil and press firm, leave the branch tip exposed vertically above the ground and tie it to a support.

2. Wave layering. This layering method is more suitable for plants with longer branches and tendrils, such as grapes. The specific layering operation method is: bend the branches and tendrils up and down into a wave shape, bury and press the parts that touch the ground in soil, and after they take root and the parts protruding above the ground sprout and grow for a certain period, cut them section by section into new plants.

3. Horizontal layering. This layering method is more suitable for tree species with longer branches that root easily, such as apple dwarf rootstock and Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis). The specific layering operation method is: notch the branches at appropriate intervals and fix them horizontally in a trench, remove the buds growing downward on the branches, and fill with soil. After they take root and sprout, cut them one by one at the internodes, with each seedling retaining a section of the mother plant.

4. Air layering. This layering method is more suitable for tall plants or plants that are not easy to bend, such as osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), longan (Dimocarpus longan) and camellia (Camellia japonica). The specific layering operation method is: select 1-3 year old branches, girdle them by 2-4 cm, scrape off the cambium or make longitudinal cuts into wounds, wrap the cut area with plastic film, split bamboo tubes, clay pots, etc., tie tightly to fix, fill with moss or fertile soil, water frequently to keep moist, and after rooting cut away to form new plants.

5. Mound layering. This layering method is more suitable for trees with strong tillering ability at the root collar or that grow in clumps, such as pearl bush (Sorbaria kirilowii), yellow rose (Rosa xanthina) and lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora). The specific layering operation method is: notch the base of the branches at the root collar, then mound soil over and press them down, and after rooting, divide and cut them into new plants.