Divide agapanthus in 8 steps: Instructions

If you want to share your agapanthus, there are certain steps you need to follow. The individual points ensure that the African Lily is not damaged by the division and can then grow effectively.

time

One of the most important steps in dividing the African Lilies is timing. If the wrong date is chosen, the plant can be severely damaged, which in turn has a negative effect on the root formation of the sections. For this reason, you should always make sure that the appointment is correct. Since a division is used either as a means of propagating or reducing the size of the root ball, you will need to repot it at the same time. This means that the perfect date falls in April, when the African lily forms new leaves and slowly moves out of its winter quarters. On average, you'll have to split your agapanthus every three to four years or they'll blow up the bucket.

Tools & utensils

In order for the agapanthus to divide, you need the right equipment. Fortunately, this can be obtained quickly, because you probably already have most of the aids at home. The tool used is particularly important for the division. You'll need one of the following to split the root ball in half:

• spade
• Handsaw
• knife
• Splitting ax
• Chisel and hammer

Make sure the cutting tools are disinfected and sharp. This will prevent possible pathogens from penetrating the interfaces of the offshoots. In addition to these, the right pot is important. It should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The pot should be a little bigger than half the pot of the mother plant. Decorative lilies like it a little closer. For this reason, the offshoots of the African Lily should not be placed in pots that are too large. You should also use the following tools when sharing your agapanthus:

• Gardening gloves
• sturdy shoes

Substrate

In order to be able to divide your agapanthus, you also need substrate. Fresh plant substrate fixes the cuttings of the African lily in the new planter and provides them with all the necessary nutrients for the first season. Since ornamental lilies do not make great demands on the soil, you can use one of the following substrates:

• Potted plant soil
• Garden soil

The plant substrate is enriched with a portion of fresh compost and a little gravel. This improves the structure of the substrate, which ensures a better hold and a good supply of moisture and nutrients. You don't have to worry about possible waterlogging.

Note: The garden soil must be sterilized before use so that there are no more bacteria, germs, fungi or insect eggs in it.

Sharing agapanthus: instructions

Once you have prepared the substrate and equipment, you can start dividing. Find a place in the garden or on your property where you have enough space if you have large ornamental lilies. The effort can be intense depending on the size of your copy. A lack of space makes the procedure extremely difficult. The following instructions explain the division process:

1. Detach the plant from the pot
   • to do this, loosen the soil in the bucket
   • proceed carefully
   • Rhizomes should not be damaged
   • usually a lot of force is required
2. Do not remove soil from the root ball
3. Divide in halves or quarters
   • depending on the size of the plant
4. Put the pieces to one side
5. Equip the bucket with drainage
   • Drainage material: gravel, expanded clay
   • Drainage layer: 10 cm high
6. Insert part
   • must sit up straight
7. fill up with soil
8. carefully press & pour

Tip: Ideally, clamp the root ball in a vise or ask someone for help if it is a large specimen. The rhizomes are very sturdy and sometimes it takes a little force to split.

Care after division

After dividing and potting the plants, you need to care for the cuttings in a certain way. Thereby you support the growth and the establishment of the parts in the substrate. Correct pouring after dividing is particularly important so that the pieces do not dry out immediately. Water the cuts well for the first few weeks after planting in the new pot. To do this, check the soil regularly for moisture and water as necessary. The soil is checked using a finger test. As soon as the top layer of soil has dried, water it. It is not necessary to divide the agapanthus too fertilize. The soil enriched with nutrients is completely sufficient.

Note: After dividing, the plants are overwintered in the same way as before. You don't have to adjust the winter routine.

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