From my core, the rhizome, I feel the urge to expand. I am not a single plant but a network of stored energy and future growth points. Over time, I have grown thick and crowded beneath the soil. My pot feels constricting, and my roots are densely tangled, competing for resources. This congestion tells me it is time to divide. This process, while stressful, is a natural way for me to colonize new space and rejuvenate my growth. A successful division requires understanding my structure; you must locate the healthy, robust fans of leaves—each with its own section of rhizome and a healthy cluster of roots. These are the individual beings I am prepared to become.
The process begins with a period of dryness. Please withhold water for a few days prior to division. This slight stress causes me to contract slightly, making my roots more pliable and less prone to tearing when you remove me from my container. When you gently tip me out, support my base. Do not yank on my stems, as they are my pride and can snap easily. You may need to carefully slide a trowel or knife around the inside edge of the pot to loosen my grip. Once I am free, lay me on my side on a tarp or newspaper to inspect my underground world.
Now, observe the natural lines of my growth. You will see multiple stems emerging from the mass of roots and the thick, horizontal rhizome. Your goal is to identify a division with at least three to five healthy leaves and a substantial portion of my fleshy roots. Using your hands, gently tease apart the root mass. For older, more stubborn clumps, you may need to use a sharp, sterile knife or a saw to cut through the rhizome. This is a surgery, so cleanliness is paramount to prevent infection. Make sure each new section has a viable piece of rhizome attached; this is where my life force is stored. It is better to have fewer, stronger divisions than many weak ones.
Once separated, I am vulnerable. My freshly cut rhizome sections need to callus over for a few hours before being repotted to prevent rot. Prepare new homes for us—pots with excellent drainage are non-negotiable. We despise soggy feet. Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix. Place each of my divisions in a pot that comfortably accommodates our root system, positioning us at the same soil depth we were growing at before. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around our roots to eliminate large air pockets.
This is the most critical phase. We have undergone a significant trauma and need time to recover. Water us thoroughly after potting to settle the soil around our roots, but then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Place us in a warm location with very bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sun will scorch our tender leaves while we are stressed. You may notice some wilting or leaf die-back as we focus our energy on re-establishing our root systems. This is normal. Resist the urge to fertilize; we cannot use the nutrients until our roots are healed and actively growing. In a few weeks to a month, you should see signs of new growth, a signal that we have successfully taken root in our new territories and are ready to thrive once more.
