Maybe they’ve gotten too big. Maybe you want to spread them throughout your living space. Maybe you’d like to share one with a friend. Whatever your reason for splitting your potted plant, Tom Kasper has some tips for how to do it correctly.
"There are some challenges with dividing a house plant," says Kasper. Many of them are unique. For example, Mother-in-Law's Tongue can be dividing by taking the entire plant out of the pot and twisting the root apart. "It respawns really quickly." Cutting an individual leaf into smaller pieces and placing one into rooting soil will also work.
Depending on the plant, the method may vary. From Kasper's point of view, it's a lot about trial and error, but Kasper does have a list of things to keep in mind; keep the soil hydrated (but not soaking wet) and keep it warm.
And be prepared to make a bit of a mess. "When I take care of my houseplants, I make a tremendous mess," says Kasper, who has some tools and tricks for this as well.
