Plant Propagation by Division and Separation

A subtle difference Division – plant parts were not intended to be separated (at least not immediately, perhaps by death) – requires us to cut or pull plants apart Separation – Plant parts are formed with the intention of detaching (specific abscission zone) – plant parts detach naturally (although we may help)

Reasons to divide 1.“Make” a bunch of new plants (propagation) 2.“Revive” existing plant(s) 1.Preserve certain characteristics (chimeras)

Chimera

Single organism with two genetically different types of tissue Sansevieria = periclinal chimera never propagate true- to-type by cutting types or methods that require adventitious shoot formation

Division Stolons “Runners” Horizontal stem (usually above ground) One of many stems Often thin with long internodes Develop plantlets at the nodes Examples (Fragaria, Ajuga, Spider Plant, Cynodon, Zoysia) Anytime you have roots or go into mist

Division Rhizomes Horizontal, underground stem The main stem Often thick, white and fleshy Has nodes and internodes Examples (Iris, Canna, Water Lily, Johnson Grass, Sansevieria, Bamboo) Iris = divide after flowering (ideally)

Division Tubers Swollen stem NOT a root i.e. it has nodes and buds Examples (caladiums, oxalis, anemones, and potato, yam) Divide early spring, 2 eyes per division

Separation True bulbs (tunicate) Compressed stem enclosed by fleshy layers (leaves) Offsets (splitting) Produce new bulblets underground Some (e.g.) Walking Onion topset bulbils Examples (onions, tulips, and narcissus ) Divide summer or fall (after flowering and the foliage has died back)

Walking Onion bulbils

Separation True bulbs (imbricate) Compressed stem enclosed by fleshy, scaly layers (leaves) Offsets (splitting) Scaling Produce new bulbs [bulbils (above ground on the stem) & bulblets (below ground between scales)] Examples (Asian Lilies) Divide summer or fall (after flowering and the foliage has died back)

Tiger Lily bulbils

Separation Corms Squat, swollen stem with nodes and internodes Storage No fleshy layers (thin, dry) New corm develops above the old one Cormels Examples (Crocus, Gladiolus, some Begonias) Divide after foliage is spent

Division Offsets Examples (Date Palm, Haworthia, Bromeliads, Aloe, many Cacti) Provide proper conditions

Division Crowns and clumps Examples (Ornamental grasses) Divide during dormancy

Division Tuberous roots Storage Crown tissue (proximal) Examples (Dahlias, Sweet Potatoes) Divide (fall) after foliage, replant (spring), or produce slips for-self- sufficiency.com/sweet- potato-slips.html for-self- sufficiency.com/sweet- potato-slips.html

Division Fleshy roots Examples (Peonies, Daylilies) Fall or spring

Yam or sweet potato horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/veget ables/sweetpotato.html horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/veget ables/sweetpotato.html

Next week Bring a sharp knife for grafting! Bring apple scion wood if you have special varieties you would like to graft onto the M111 rootstock.