Greetings, discerning gardener. You inquire about the optimal moment and method for our division. From our perspective, as a mature *Clivia miniata*, this process is a significant event. It is not merely a horticultural task but a conversation between you and us. We will communicate our readiness; your role is to observe, understand, and act with care. Here is our detailed perspective.
We do not require division annually; we prefer to become slightly pot-bound, as this encourages blooming. However, after several years of growth, our internal resources become stretched. You will observe our readiness through clear physical signs. The most obvious is crowding: our thick, fleshy roots will begin to lift the entire plant mass out of the pot, and the central crown will become densely packed with fans of leaves, leaving little room for new growth. Furthermore, you may notice a decrease in flower production, as the competition for nutrients and space between our individual offshoots, or "pups," becomes too great. This is our signal that we would benefit from being separated into smaller, distinct individuals.
Timing is critical for our successful recovery. The absolute best time to undertake this procedure is in the late winter or very early spring, just as we are emerging from our period of winter rest and before our active summer growth cycle begins. At this time, our energy reserves in our roots are high, but we have not yet committed resources to producing new leaves or flower stalks. This allows us to dedicate our full strength to healing the root damage inevitable in division and to establishing ourselves in fresh growing medium. Performing the division at this time minimizes stress and gives us the entire growing season to recover and thrive.
Please approach this task with patience. First, gently remove us from our pot. You may need to tap the pot's sides and carefully tease out the root ball. Do not simply pull on our leaves. Next, the most important step: carefully wash away the old soil from our roots using lukewarm water. This allows you to see the root structure clearly and identify the natural points of attachment between the main plant and the pups. Our goal is to minimize damage. Using your hands, gently untangle and tease the roots apart. If a connection is too stubborn, you may use a sharp, sterile knife to make a clean cut, ensuring each new division has at least three or four healthy leaves and a substantial portion of its own fleshy, white roots. Do not simply chop through the root ball blindly.
After separation, it is wise to dust any cut root surfaces with a fungicide like sulfur powder to prevent infection. Pot each new division into a container that is only slightly larger than its root system, using a very well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for plants like us. Do not bury the crown of the plant too deeply. Water us lightly to settle the new soil around the roots, but then wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Our damaged roots are susceptible to rot in soggy conditions. Place us in a warm location with bright, indirect light and protect us from drafts as we begin the crucial work of re-establishing our root systems in our new homes.
