Which propagation method uses an attached stem laid on the ground and covered with soil to encourage rooting?

Which propagation method uses an attached stem laid on the ground and covered with soil to encourage rooting?

• A. Simple layering
• B. Hardwood cuttings
• C. Budding
• D. Grafting

Answer: (A)

Layering keeps the stem attached to the parent while roots form from a buried section. In simple layering, you bend a flexible stem to the ground, bury a portion of it under soil (covering it up to just above a node) and keep it moist. The buried portion is in contact with soil and, over time, develops adventitious roots along that section. Once strong roots have formed, you can sever the new plant from the parent and transplant it. This method relies on the stem remaining connected during root formation, which is why it’s different from hardwood cuttings (taken off the plant) or from budding and grafting (which join parts of different plants rather than encouraging rooting of a buried stem).

Layering keeps the stem attached to the parent while roots form from a buried section. In simple layering, you bend a flexible stem to the ground, bury a portion of it under soil (covering it up to just above a node) and keep it moist. The buried portion is in contact with soil and, over time, develops adventitious roots along that section. Once strong roots have formed, you can sever the new plant from the parent and transplant it. This method relies on the stem remaining connected during root formation, which is why it’s different from hardwood cuttings (taken off the plant) or from budding and grafting (which join parts of different plants rather than encouraging rooting of a buried stem).