From our perspective, the best time for you to attempt division is when we are naturally preparing for a new growth cycle. This occurs just after our old leaves have completely withered and been reabsorbed, and our new body is fully formed, but before we begin our autumnal flowering. This period typically falls in late summer or early autumn. At this stage, we have stored ample energy and our root systems are active, ready for new growth. Propagating us at this time minimizes shock and gives the new offsets the entire growing season to establish their own independent root systems before our summer dormancy.
First, you must gently remove us from our pot, carefully brushing away the soil to expose our root system and the point where the two or more heads are connected. Look for a natural division or fissure between the bodies. The most crucial part, from our viewpoint, is that each division must retain a portion of the taproot. Unlike other succulents, we cannot regenerate from a stem alone; our taproot is our lifeline. Using a clean, sharp, and sterile knife, make a clean cut to separate us, ensuring each new plant has its own root attachment. If the heads pull apart easily with roots intact, a knife may not be necessary. Avoid tearing, as this creates wounds that are more susceptible to rot.
Immediately after the cut, we are vulnerable. Our internal tissues, normally protected by our thick leaves, are exposed to pathogens in the air and soil. You must place us in a cool, dry, and shaded location with good air circulation for a period of 3 to 7 days. This allows the cut surface to form a hard, protective layer of tissue called a callus. This callus is our natural bandage; it is our primary defense against fungal and bacterial infections that would otherwise cause us to rot from the wound upward once planted. Do not rush this step. We will signal we are ready when the cut area is completely dry and hard to the touch.
Once calloused, we are ready to be replanted. Prepare a pot with an extremely well-draining soil mix, specifically formulated for mesembs (a gritty mix of mostly inorganic material like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand is ideal). Plant us so that just the very base of our body is in the soil, ensuring our leaves remain fully above the surface. The most important instruction now is to withhold water. You must wait until we show signs of new root growth, which is typically indicated by the appearance of a slight wrinkling on our sides or a loss of firmness. This can take several weeks. Watering too soon, before we have functional roots to absorb that moisture, will inevitably lead to rot. When you do water, begin with a light misting or a small amount of water around the base to encourage root growth downward.
