Division in plants refers to a method of vegetative (asexual) propagation where the entire plant is separated into two or more smaller, independent pieces, each capable of growing into a new, genetically identical plant. This is different from cell division (mitosis) within the plant.
Understanding Plant Division
Plant division is a relatively simple method used to create new plants from established ones. It relies on the plant already having multiple growing points (crowns, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, etc.) that can be separated and survive independently.
The Process of Plant Division
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Selection: Choose a healthy, mature plant suitable for division. Plants that are overgrown or have become less vigorous are often good candidates.
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Preparation: Carefully dig up the plant. Clean off excess soil to better visualize the root system and growing points.
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Separation: Depending on the plant type, you can separate the plant in several ways:
- By Hand: Gently pull apart clumps of roots and stems.
- Using Tools: Use a sharp knife, spade, or trowel to cut through tough root masses or rhizomes. Ensure each division has a healthy portion of roots and shoots/leaves.
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Replanting: Replant the newly divided sections into prepared soil. Water thoroughly and provide appropriate care for the specific plant species.
Examples of Plants Propagated by Division
Many plants are easily propagated through division, including:
- Herbaceous Perennials: Hostas, daylilies, irises, coneflowers, asters, phlox.
- Bulbs and Corms: Daffodils, tulips, gladiolus.
- Rhizomatous Plants: Ginger, bamboo, some grasses.
- Clumping Grasses: Many ornamental grasses.
Advantages of Division
- Cloning: Division creates genetically identical copies of the parent plant, preserving desirable traits.
- Speed: It's a relatively fast way to propagate plants compared to starting from seed.
- Simplicity: The process is generally easy to understand and execute.
- Rejuvenation: Dividing overgrown plants can restore vigor and improve flowering.
Disadvantages of Division
- Limited Scale: The number of new plants you can create is limited by the size and number of divisions possible from the original plant.
- Disease Transmission: Diseases present in the parent plant can be spread to the new divisions.
- Labor-Intensive: Digging up and dividing plants can be physically demanding.
- Not Suitable for All Plants: Some plants are not easily divided or may not survive the process.
In summary, plant division is a practical method of vegetative propagation that involves separating a plant into multiple sections, each with its own root system and shoot system, allowing for the creation of genetically identical clones.
