Potted plants

Depends on type of plant but leggy branching (begonia for example) and vining ( like ivy or pothos) can be cut back to encourage fuller more bushy growth patterns.

They may be root bound. Try reporting them.

What is layering?

Sounds like its time for some fresh potting soil.

If my plant pot is big, I put a couple of empty pop cans in the bottom so that it will not take so much dirt and be so heavy you can't lift it. I only use potting soil in the pot...no gravel, pebbles, mulch....just soil. Put the plant in the pot and water it good. It will depend on how much sun and light your plants need. Maybe all you need is to fertilize your plants.

Depends on the pot. Hole in the bottom? Just soil. Miracle grow is my preference. No hole? Personally, I only put planted pots with drain hole INSIDE holeless pot

Thank you everyone .... at least I know I am not doing anything wrong...Like the idea of the cans in the bottom .... and pot inside pot!!