Marcottage

Marcottage, also known as air layering, is a method of asexual plant propagation where a stem is induced to root while still attached to the parent plant. This technique is particularly useful for plants that are difficult to root from cuttings. The process typically involves removing a section of bark or making a slit in a young, flexible stem, then enclosing the wounded area with a moist growing medium such as sphagnum moss or coco coir. This medium is then wrapped securely, often with plastic film, to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. The wrapping also helps to create a humid environment conducive to root formation. Over time, roots develop within the moist medium. Once a sufficient root system has formed, the stem is severed below the new roots and planted as a new, independent plant. Marcottage can be performed on a variety of woody and herbaceous plants, including magnolias, rhododendrons, and some fruit trees. It allows for the propagation of mature specimens, which might not readily root from cuttings. The success of marcottage depends on factors such as the plant species, the time of year, and the skill of the propagator in maintaining appropriate moisture levels around the wounded stem.