Plants with a multi-stemmed or clumping growth habit, offshoots, or fleshy underground storage structures like bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, corms, and tuberous roots and stems can be propagated by division. Such plants include Boston fern, asparagus fern, orchids, African violets, and spider plant. Division involves cutting large clumps into smaller sections, making sure that each clump has enough stems, leaves, roots, and buds to survive transplanting. Every 2 or 3 years plants can be removed from their pots, divided, and replanted into the same container. Some plants can be pulled apart, but most must be cut. Transplant separated clumps at the same depth they were growing originally. Division of houseplants is best done in the spring or mid-summer when the plant is actively growing, so it will quickly generate new roots.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, houseplants, division, fern