Which propagation concept is illustrated by layering, such as tip layering and air layering?

• A. Grafting
• B. Cuttings
• C. Layering
• D. Division

Answer: (C)

Layering is a propagation method where a portion of a stem stays attached to the parent plant while it develops roots, so the new plant can be rooted while still connected. In tip layering, the tip of a healthy shoot is bent down and partially buried in soil, promoting rooting from the buried segment while the shoot continues to grow. In air layering, a section of stem is wounded or girdled, wrapped with moist medium and plastic to maintain humidity, and roots form at that site while the stem remains attached. This approach lets the new plant establish roots before it’s separated, which can be advantageous for plants that don’t root well from simple cuttings. By contrast, grafting joins parts from two plants, cuttings are detached segments rooted after planting, and division splits a plant into multiple independent pieces.