anybody tried layering?

I had this idea that you could transplant a plant with multiple root systems for faster/bigger growth by layering (making a clone that is attached to the plant, as opposed to a cutting). basically, you would take something like a rapid rooter plug, slit it down one side, and wrap it around a lower branch that you have scuffed up and applied rooting hormone gel to. you would then have to be meticulous about keeping that plug moist and covered with something like opaque plastic to keep the light off of it. in theory , you could do this to multiple lower branches and have four or five root systems going by the time you transplant. instead of cutting the now established scions off, thus creating new plants, you would bury the new root systems upon transplant.


I actually did try this without success - I think it was too much for me to keep the plug moist enough... when I suggest this technique to anybody, I always get the same bemused look in response. I'd love to know has anybody else tried this - and was it super-awesome?

sorry guys I'm new to this it looks like I put this thread in the wrong spot

You did. Hahaha. Yes I have had some success with layering outside and once indoors, shuffling plants makes this difficult host and donor are needing to be so close.
I scuffed surface of branch, cheated and applied rooting hormone, covered with moist soil and a rock. About three weeks and the thing had some little adventitious roots securing it to her new home.

Peace

Hoonry, no it wasn't really awesome either. Being outside the plant was best up and hagard. It works. Better indoors. Cloning is better if there is an option. Certainly could be helpful I'm the wild though.

Peace

layering is slower no advantage really, just something to experment with
clones will root faster, if you want you can root a large branch as a clone lol
you do not have to take 2-3 inch clones you can take them as large as you wish they will root
although they are a bit more difficult to look after being so large keeping the humidity up
you need a large dome with a high roof

hey guys thanks for the replies. um, the idea here isn't to make new plants, but to transplant a single plant with more than one root system so that (theoretically) it would take off faster and/or get bigger than it normally would. cheers!